You know you have dirty water, but just how dirty is it? Dirty water is categorized by how unsanitary and unsafe it is. As part of an industry that produces wastewater, these categories should be on your radar.
Category 1 Water
Category 1 water is the least harmful contaminated water. Typically, Category 1 water is water that has overflowed from a clean source. It may be unsanitary depending on what surfaces it has come in contact with. If exposed to it, there is typically not substantial harm.
Category 2 Water
Category 2 water is sometimes called gray water because it is contaminated by bacteria, mold, and/or chemicals. This wastewater can overflow from machines, or leak from places like water beds or aquariums. Materials exposed to Category 2 water become the perfect breeding ground for mold and bacteria. If not treated within 1-2 days of exposure, it can lead to a Category 3 situation. If exposed to it, there are health risks.
Category 3 Water
Category 3 water, or black water, is horribly unsanitary and unsafe. It contains disease-causing agents, like harmful bacteria and fungi that can cause severe sickness or even death. Category 3 water can come from various sources such as flooding from seawater, ground surface water, or rising water from rivers or streams. Sewage back-ups are also classified as Category 3 water. Even just a small amount of this water can cause major damage, like bacteria and mold growth inside the walls and under the floors of a home or business. The contaminated water can expose you to hepatitis B and C, Norovirus, Tetanus, West Nile virus, Tuberculosis, and HIV or AIDS. Due to its tendency to spread rapidly and soak into materials, ordinary cleanup doesn’t do the trick. It takes major damage control to clean up Category 3 water.
Wastewater and Slurry Water
Consider the water you use every day in your industry. What contaminates the water? How is it classified? How are you treating it to prevent it from contaminating the ground or other bodies of water? Water treatment and pH balancing before dumping or reusing is critical.
If you’re concerned about cleaning your dirty water, reach out to us today.