Is Black Water Safe?

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

Imagine that you are exceptionally thirsty and someone offers you some water. This water, however, is full of bacteria and viruses. Do you drink it? Of course, you don’t. Now, imagine your business after sustaining water damage from a flood in Norman, OK. Do you let it dry and return to business as usual? Again, you don’t. Understand the dangers of dirty, black water below.

What Is Black Water?

There are three categories of water damage, including black, gray and clean water. Clean comes from a fresh water source and is not hazardous to your health. Gray is contaminated as it may contain dirt or detergent but does not typically pose a significant risk. Black, however, is the most dangerous of the three:

• Flood water or sewage are the most common sources of this highly contaminated water.
• Infested with bacteria and microorganisms, this type of water should always be avoided by humans and pets.
• Without protective equipment, it is not safe to be around.

How Is Black Water Cleaned?

If the water is so dangerous, you may wonder how your business will ever recover. Professional water restoration specialists wear protective gear including masks to guard against virus inhalation. The process may be time consuming as it needs to be thorough:

• The damaged area is contained, so the water and germs do not spread.
• Professional grade pumps and vacuums remove the excess standing water.
• Porous materials exposed to the contaminated water are removed from the property, including drywall and carpet padding.
• The area is dried, cleaned, disinfected and properly sanitized. Air filtration equipment is used to rid the air of viruses and odors.

Water damage from a flood in Norman, OK, can wreak havoc on your business. The contaminants in the black water can negatively impact your health and safety, therefore as soon as a possible, partner with a professional restoration expert to return your business to pre-disaster condition. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROnorman.com/.