Characteristics of Blackwater

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know the characteristics of blackwater?

When your commercial building in Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, floods, you may not realize that the damage can vary based on the water source. Flooding usually falls into one of three categories—clean, gray, or black. For example, if a pipe burst, SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville may not have to worry about the decontamination process as if they would if the flood water came from rain. To better understand these differences, you need to consider the characteristics of the third category of water damage.

Source

The source of the water may dictate whether it is considered black, gray, or clean. Anything in the black category usually comes from one of the following sources:

• Sewage backup

• River overflow

• Heavy rain

Because the source plays such an essential role in a flood's categorization, storm damage often falls into the black water category. In some unique circumstances, stormwater may still fit into the second, slightly cleaner grouping.

Contaminants

What is in the water is also essential for its categorization. Blackwater is categorized as when the liquid is combined with feces, harsh chemicals, viruses, spores, or microbes. The more contaminated the water is, the more likely it will fall into the black category rather than the gray.

Time

Of course, even flood water, once considered clean, can morph into this dirty category. When floods are allowed to sit in a commercial building for long periods, the liquid may pick up pollen, bacteria, and chemicals from the environment. Too much time between the flooding and the cleanup essentially degrades the water into the black category.

The floodwater that fills your commercial building may be considered black if it has the three characteristics mentioned above. As you start the cleanup process, it may be helpful to learn more about the three classes of standing water that can affect your property. SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville can help educate you regarding these three water classes to begin the cleanup process at your business. Contact us at (901) 755-3705 for additional information.