IICRC water damage categories

10/10/2020 (Permalink)

Since we are an IICRC Certified Firm we follow their guidelines when determining category of water damage that occurs in a structure.

There are 3 Basic Categories of Water

Category 1 originates from a sanitary source and poses no substantial risk from dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. Examples may be water from an broken angle stop under a sink.  However, it may not always remain clean after it comes into contact with other surfaces or materials that contain contaminants. 

Category 2 contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort and/or sickness if contacted by humans. This category may contain potentially unsafe levels of micro-organisms or nutrients for micro-organisms, and other organic or inorganic matter.

Category 3 is grossly contaminated and may contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Such water sources may carry silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, regulated materials, or toxic organic substances.

Source: https://www.IICRC.org/page/IICRCGlobalLocator