Water damage is classified according to the water’s source and category. The three main classifications of water damage are clean water, gray water, and black water.
Class 1: Clean Water
Clean water is water from a clean source, such as a broken pipe or faucet. If not cleaned up quickly, clean water can become gray water.
Class 2: Gray Water
Gray water is water that is slightly contaminated and could cause sickness if ingested. Gray water may come from a dishwasher, washing machine, or toilet (urine only).
Class 3: Black Water
Black water is highly contaminated and could cause serious illness or death if ingested. Black water comes from sewage, flooding, or any other contaminated water source.
If you experience water damage, it is important to know the source and classification of the water in order to determine the best course of action. Clean water can usually be cleaned up with little to no risk, but gray and black water can pose serious health risks.
If you are unsure of the classification of your water damage, it is always best to err on the side of caution and treat it as black water. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact a professional for assistance.
https://www.IICRC.org
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/faq.html
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-08/documents/understanding_water_classifications.pdf