Categories of Water

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

There are three categories of water that determine our technicians’ approach to the extraction or restoration process. Category 1 water comes from a sanitary source and does not pose a substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. Examples of category 1 water sources include broken water supply lines, sink or tub overflow, melting ice or snow, and rain water. Category 2 water contains significant contamination. It also has the potential to cause sickness if contacted or consumed. Examples of category 2 water sources include discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls with contaminants, broken aquariums, and waterbeds. Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Examples of category 3 water sources include sewage, flooding from sea water, rising waters from rivers or streams, and other contaminated water brought in from weather-related events.