Why Are Flood Waters Classified as Black Water?

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

When flood water washes through a community, officials quickly warn residents to stay away from the area. Why isn't it okay for commuters to travel their normal route to work? Why not conduct business through shallow areas? There's more at risk than damage to vehicles and the threat of being washed away, although both are significant risks. The primary danger may be the health hazards lurking in the water.

Water Categories

There are three classifications for water:

• Category One - Clean: Water that is safe to touch, such as rainwater and tap water.
• Category Two - Gray: This water may come from dishwashers or aquariums. It must be treated for contamination before it is consumed.
• Category Three - Black: This water contains bacteria, chemicals, and biological hazards. Sewage is a familiar example of black water.

Flood water is treated as black water because it may have picked up many contaminants as it traveled through the community. It may have come into contact with sewer mains, waste dumps, ditches, septic tanks, and toilet backflows. When water floods into your building, you can't tell where it's been or what it has picked up.

Dangers of Black Water

Black water may have been contaminated by fecal matter or by dangerous chemicals. It may carry bacterial or viral diseases. During floods, water may carry toxic waste or raw sewage. If your building has been affected by flood water and storm damage, contact an emergency restoration service immediately. These professionals can assess the level of danger and provide safety guidelines and a plan for remediation. These professionals have the equipment and training necessary to move through the cleanup plan in compliance with guidelines established by the EPA.

Don't plunge into cleanup efforts on your own. If flooding has filled your Park Ridge,IL, property with water, stay out of the area and wait for professionals to handle the mess. There are plenty of other recovery efforts you can undertake.