Determining the Category of Water Damage

Determining the Category of Water Damage

Determining the Category of Water Damage

The effects and categories of water damage in properties

The categories of water, as defined by this article , refer to the range of contamination in water, considering both its originating source and its quality after it contacts materials present on the jobsite. Time and temperature can also affect the quality of water, thereby changing its Category. Restorers should consider potential contamination, defined as the presence of undesired substances; the identity, location and quantity of which are not reflective of a normal indoor environment, and may produce adverse health effects, cause damage to structure and contents and/or adversely affect the operation or function of building systems.

Category 1 - Category 1 water originates from a sanitary water source and does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. Examples of Category 1 water sources can include, but are not limited to: broken water supply lines; tub or sink overflows with no contaminats; appliance malfunctions involving water-supply lines; melting ice or snow, faliing rainwater; broken toilet tanks, and toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives.

Category 2 - Category 2 water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Category 2 water can contain potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms, as well as other organic or inorganic matter (chemical or biological). Examples of category 2 water can include, but are not limited to: discharge from dishwashers or washing machines; overflows from washing machines; overflows from toilet bowls on the room side of the trap with some urne but no feces; seepage due to hydrostatic pressure; broken aquariums and punctured water beds.

Category 3 - Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Examples of Category 3 water can include, but are not limited to: Sewage, toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap regardless of visible content or color; all forms of flooding from seawater; ground surface water and rising water from rivers or streams, and other contaminated water entering or affecting the indoor environment, such as wind-driven rain from hurricanes, tropical storms, or other weather-related events. Such water sources may carry silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, regulated materials, or toxic organic substances.

Source of Article: "IICRC S500" Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification

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