What Are the 3 Categories of Water Damage?
The three categories of water damage are:
Category 1 – This refers to clean water or water that does not pose a significant threat to human health. Examples of Category 1 water sources include broken water supply lines, overflowing sinks or bathtubs, or rainwater that has not passed through any contaminants.
Category 2 – This category is also known as “grey water” and refers to water that contains some degree of contamination and could cause illness or discomfort if ingested or exposed to the skin. Examples of Category 2 water sources include washing machine or dishwasher overflow, toilet overflows with urine but no feces, or sump pump failures.
Category 3 – This category is also known as “black water” and is highly contaminated water that can cause serious illness or even death if ingested or exposed to the skin. Category 3 water sources include sewage backups, flooding from rivers or streams, or water from standing sources that has been contaminated by chemicals or pathogens.