There are many different scenarios that can turn your home into your brand new swimming pool, and by that, we mean cesspool. Pipes can leak or break, water can seep in, your sewer might back up, or Mother Nature might make your home the newest branch of a nearby river. You’re no fool; you know this isn’t good, so it’s important to know the different degrees of water contamination and if/how they’re harmful to you and your family.
Water has three different categories. Category one is considered clean water. In simple terms, one would think, “I’ll drink this, as long as it didn’t come from the toilet.” Category two is often referred to as gray water. You might consider running it through a Brita filter four or five times before drinking it, but only if you don’t mind risking a few uncomfortable consequences. Category three is known as black water, which is the “No thanks, I’d rather not drink a bacteria cocktail” category.
Category one water is generally cleaned from the source and poses little to no threat to humans if consumed. It can become contaminated, however, as it mixes with building materials, soil or other bacteria. Over time, with a change in temperature, this water contamination will degrade to gray water. Burst pipes, falling rain and broken appliance lines are prime examples of clean water.
Category two water has been contaminated and can cause slight illnesses if ingested. Much like category one, time and temperature can cause water contamination to further progress. Consumption of this water isn’t fatal, but will most likely cause discomfort, at the very least.
Category three water is highly contaminated. Upon human consumption, it can cause serious illness and, in some cases, even death. Water from flooded rivers, ground surface water and sewage all qualify as category three. Severe weather can cause this bacteria-ridden water to enter your home and cause harm to you and your family. This is why restoration and cleanup from water damage is so imperative and time sensitive.
Many people may try to clean up a flooded basement or water line leak by themselves. Most of those people end up with long-term damage due to the degree of water contamination and a cleaning process that isn’t thorough enough. You need a professional with guaranteed results for situations like these.
Bloomfield Construction specializes in restoration efforts including water damage and cleanup. Our Emergency Flood and Fire Team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will typically arrive within an hour of your call. We work with all insurance companies and will get started on the cleanup process immediately. The S-500 third edition is the only book in the industry that sets the standards for water damage restoration. By utilizing those guidelines, we are able to document the water contamination and the drying process, including where, when and how.
With our top of the line equipment, IICRC certified professionals and commitment to excellence, your satisfaction is guaranteed. For more information or to find out how we can help with flood damage or other water contamination in your home, contact us at 248-461-3480. When your insurance company is paying the bill why not hire the best….and the best is Bloomfield Construction!
