Water is one of the most common causes of damage to a residential or commercial building, and it’s the second most frequent claim people make on home insurance policies (next to wind and hail damage). Water damage can wreak havoc on your home or property, which can cause a great deal of destruction and a huge financial burden.
Water damage can come from many different sources (such as flooding, broken appliances, and burst pipes). There are three main types of water damage based on the level of contamination, which is helpful in coming up with a plan for cleanup and restoration.
The Three Categories of Water Damage
There are three main categories of water damage:
- Category 3 Water Damage — Northern Arizona University defines Category 3 water damage as “grossly unsanitary water containing pathogenic agents, arising from sewage or other contaminated water sources and having the likelihood of causing discomfort or sickness if consumed or exposed to humans.” Category 3 water is seriously contaminated and is often referred to as “black water.”
- Category 2 Water Damage — Also referred to as “grey water,” Category 2 water damage has a large amount of chemical, biological, and/or physical contamination and can be hazardous to humans if they’re exposed or if it’s consumed. While it’s not as seriously contaminated as Category 3 water, it’s still significant because it contains microorganisms and their nutrients.
- Category 1 Water Damage — This type of water comes from a source that doesn’t pose any significant threat to humans, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as “clean water.” This type of water damage comes from sources that are considered sanitary and can be caused by a variety of things (such as excessive rainfall, melting ice, as well as tub and sink overflows).
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.
The Main Types of Water Contamination
The main types of water contamination include the following:
- Physical Contaminants — Solid particles that are suspended in water can affect its clarity, color, and appearance. These contaminants can be caused by natural events (such as storms and erosion) or by human activities (such as construction and land development projects).
- Chemical Contaminants — These substances aren’t naturally found in water and can be harmful to human health and the environment. This can include toxic chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, heavy metals, salts, and minerals. Some of these contaminants can have serious health effects and can even be harmful to wildlife.
- Biological Contaminants — These contaminants are of organic origin, whether they’re living or not. Living organisms (such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and parasites) can be found in water sources that have come into contact with animal or human waste. They can cause serious health problems (such as gastrointestinal illnesses, skin infections, and respiratory diseases).
- Radiological Contaminants — Radioactive elements and isotopes can get into water sources from nuclear accidents, mining, and other sources. They can cause cancer, birth defects, and other health problems if they’re ingested or absorbed through the skin.
- Disinfection Byproducts — These chemicals are created from the process of disinfecting drinking water and can have negative health effects (such as cancer, birth defects, and reproductive problems). While they’re technically a form of chemical contamination, they need to be in their own category because of their unique source.
All of these contaminants can have a negative effect on human activity, as well as on the rest of the biosphere. Health risks are a major concern, because some of them can pose serious health risks (such as illness, disease, and even death). Bacteria and viruses can cause disease outbreaks, while chemicals can cause long-term declines in human health and birth defects that are only noticed when it’s too late.
Water contaminants can also have a negative effect on the health of entire ecosystems. It can affect aquatic habitats and can be harmful to wildlife. Microplastics found in freshwater and seawater environments have been known to affect the behaviors of both plankton and fish. Algal blooms caused by agricultural runoff can decimate entire lakes, and they can produce toxins that can be life-threatening to humans. Not to mention, the effect it can have on the taste, odor, and appearance of water (which can make it unpleasant for drinking, cooking, and bathing).
If your home has been affected by water damage and you’re looking for a quality restoration company in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Gulf Shore Disaster Service. We have a team of people who would be more than happy to speak with you!