The Dirty Dozen: Black Water Facts

8/28/2022 (Permalink)

Flood damage to a building in Jacksonville, FL.

What Is Black Water and How To Treat It

A severe flood occurs in Jacksonville, FL, causing water damage to your commercial property. You contact your insurance agent and a storm restoration specialist. At this point, the experts inform you that the flooding consists of black water. What does this mean? Review the twelve facts below to learn about this type of water and how it is treated.

1. Blackwater is considered Category 3 water damage. Category 1 is clean water and Category 2 is gray water.

2. The color categories refer to contamination levels. Black is considered the most contaminated as it contains viruses, bacteria and microorganisms.

3. The source is important to differentiate between the levels. The most contaminated water comes from floodwaters or sewage backups.

4. Contaminated water may be hazardous to your health. Do not touch or ingest this water. Viruses may also be airborne. Specialists wear protective gear during mitigation efforts.

5. Cleanup of this type takes the most time and effort. Due to the impact of bacteria, professionals take extra caution and measures during the recovery process.

6. Storm restoration technicians set a containment area. To prevent secondary contamination by floodwater or airborne germs, the impacted area is sealed off.

7. Contaminated water is pumped out. Industrial pumps and vacuums remove excess stormwater.

8. Impacted, porous materials are removed. Items such as drywall and carpet padding soak up the infected water and must be disposed of properly.

9. Remaining areas are professionally dried. Moisture is monitored and removed from structures, contents and air.

10. Once dry, exposed contents are cleaned and disinfected. This process kills remaining germs and mold.

11. Air filtration devices sanitize the air. This removes any lingering germs and odors.

12. Rebuilding and restoring take place. Your property can be properly restored.

When your commercial property falls victim to water damage in Jacksonville, FL, it is critical to act fast. This is especially true when flooding results from storm water. Although mitigating contaminated black water is time-consuming, the process can help restore your business to pre-storm condition.