What Is Black Water?

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage restoration in Stillwater, OK

What Is Black Water?

Commercial building owners in Stillwater, OK who have recently experienced a flood might have water remaining on the premises that’s black in color and looks anything but safe to drink. This type of water is known as black water, and not only can it lead to water damage if left unattended, it’s also often highly contaminated. Learn a couple of facts about this brackish water and the many dangers it poses to you, your building and your employees or residents. 

1. The Hard Truth 

Rather than beat around the bush when it comes to sharing the truth about contaminated water, it’s best to be straightforward. Water from flooding is essentially wastewater, which means it carries a high number of harmful pathogens, bacteria and the like. Gray water is a specific type of water that comes from sources other than the toilet, such as washing clothes, dishes, bathing and showering. No matter whether you have gray or black water, you can likely smell it and need to take care of it as quickly and efficiently as possible to prevent further water damage. 

2. Addressing Water Leftover From Flooding 

Thankfully, you don’t have to put yourself or anyone else at unnecessary risk when it comes to dealing with contaminated flood water. Professional services are available that know how to mitigate further damage to your building and better ensure that neither you nor your employees or building residents are in any needless harm. There are still a few steps you’ll want to take on your own before professionals arrive to keep damage to a minimum. 

One of the first things to do is to limit your contact with flood water and water that even looks as though it might be contaminated. It’s also best that you wash your hands before eating or drinking anything, even if you didn’t come in direct contact with flood water. If there are children around, see to it that they do not play in brackish water. Anyone who has cuts, scratches or open wounds should take extra care when around potentially contaminated water. 

Black water from a flood isn’t something to mess around with. Take preventative action to prevent water damage and risks to your health. Visit http://www.SERVPROstillwaterguthrie.comfor more information on water damage.