Michigan Water Damage Category 1 (Clean Water) -
Clean water that is visibly clear and possesses little or no odor. If you smell any type of fecal matter or urine, your water is either category 2 or 3. Common sources of category 1 water is water supply lines such as dishwasher lines, refrigerator / ice maker pipes, sink water lines, and hot water lines used for hot water home heating. Broken appliances such as a dishwasher or hot water heater also fall under the category of clean water.
Michigan Water Damage Category 2 (Grey Water) -
Grey water is also visibly clear for the most part. However, it often has a slight to mild foul odor that is noticeable when in the affected area. This water damage must be treated with much more caution than the clean water mentioned above. Sources of category 2 grey water commonly include a failed sump pump or overflowed toilet.
Michigan Water Damage Category 3 (Black Water) -
Black water is the most dangerous of all water damage. It is a filled with bacteria and is a breeding ground for harmful contaminants, including bacteria and mold producing organisms. All materials affected by black water damage must be handled with extreme caution, removed from the residence, and discarded of immediately. Black water commonly comes from failed ejector pumps, broken sewage lines, water from streams, rivers or seas, and any standing water. Any water with visible fecal matter is most definitely black water. Once again, all materials affected with black water must be carefully but promptly discarded.
