What does Catagory 1, 2 and 3 Water Mean?

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

One of the first things our water technicians learns while training is the difference between Category 1, 2 and 3 Water and how to treat each damage.

Category 1 Water just means it is clean water and it does not pose a risk if a person comes in contact with it. It could be from faucets, water fountains, the bathtub. Category 1 water can change to category 2 or 3 if it comes into contact with other sources, surfaces or materials.

Category 2 Water or “gray water” damage come from toilet bowls with urine, washing machines, dishwashers, and sump pump failures. This type of water contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants.

Category 3 Water or “black water” is the most dangerous type of classification. It is extremely unsanitary, since it contains pathogenic, toxigenic and many types of harmful bacteria. This type of water could cause sever illnesses or even death if ingested. Sewage backup, flooding, standing water and ground surface water are categorized as 3.

SERVPRO of Universal City / St. Hedwig is available 24 hours a day and has the knowledge and experience to deal with any of these categories for water. Call us at (210) 610-6800 and let us handle this disaster for you!