Category 1 - Clean Water

Sources of Category 1 water may include: broken water supply lines, sink overflows with no contaminants, appliance malfunctions involving water supply lines, melting snow, falling rain water, broken toilet tanks, and toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives.

If left untreated for 72 hours, Category 1 water becomes Category 2 water.

Category 2 - Gray Water

Category 2 water carries microorganisms and nutrients for microorganisms. Its sources may include discharge or overflows from dishwashers, washing machines, or toilet bowls (with some urine but no feces); sump pump failures; seepage due to hydrostatic pressure; and broken aquariums.

Gray water may contain chemicals, biocontaminants, and other forms of contamination including physical hazards and is unsuitable for consumption. When affected with Category 2 water, carpet pad must be removed and properly disposed of. Carpet that is saved must be cleaned with hot water extraction.

If left untreated, Category 2 water becomes Category 3 water in 48 hours or less.  

Category 3 - Black Water

Category 3 water includes sewage and other contaminated water sources entering or affecting the indoor environment. Sources may be toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap, and all forms of flooding from seawater, ground surface water, and rising water from rivers and streams—these types of water carry silt and organic matter into structures and create black water conditions.

The health of workers and occupants is the most important consideration when dealing with sewage backflows. Always remove and properly dispose of both carpet and padding affected by a Category 3 water loss.

Special Situations

Regulated materials pose potential or recognized health risks and may include, but are not limited to: arsenic, mercury, lead, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, fuels, solvents, caustic chemicals, and radiological residues.