3 Types of Water You May Encounter After a Flood

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

While not every type of flood causes contaminated water, understanding the possible dangers can help keep you safe.

Three Types Of Water You Might Come Across After A Flood

Flood waters can come from a variety of sources to affect your North Port, FL, home. From heavy rains to a malfunctioning washing machine or water heater, the types of flood waters you may encounter might be harmless or contaminated water that could be dangerous to your health. Knowing how to grade flood water and whether you should try to deal with its removal on your own can protect your well-being, no matter the source of the flood.

1. Clean Water

Clean water floods usually occur when sanitary water overflows from a source that delivers drinking or other types of treated water. For example, if the water supply line to your kitchen sink were to break, the resulting flood would be graded category 1, which contains no contaminants or harmful chemicals. However, clean water floods can deteriorate quickly, especially if the standing water is allowed to stagnate.

2. Grey Water

You might encounter grey water if your dishwasher or washing machine malfunctions and causes a flood. While grey water is not necessarily dangerous, it may contain cleansers and detergents that can irritate your skin or eyes after prolonged contact. Category 2 flood waters may also contain human urine from flushed toilets, so you may want to wear a protective mask and gloves if you must touch this contaminated water.

3. Black Water

Flooding can cause sewers to back up and overflow. When the offal from the sewers mixes with flood waters, this creates what is called black water. Category 3 water can contain human and animal feces, drowned animal carcasses, medical waste and urine. It is important that you let a storm cleanup and restoration company remove this water from your home if it should enter, as only qualified flood technicians have the equipment and know-how to drain and dispose of it safely.

When flooding occurs in your North Port, FL, you might encounter different grades of water. While not every type of flood causes contaminated water, understanding the possible dangers can help keep you safe when you need to deal with a flood at your home.