Black Water Facts

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

Floodwater damage in a Geneva, IL home

To folks who own homes in Geneva,IL , the prospect of floodwater damage in the aftermath of water infiltration can be a chilling thought. The type of inundation makes a difference in what will likely be required for effective remediation, and some floods are definitely worse than others.

Defining Characteristics

Black water is the term used to describe a type of liquid that presents a risk to the health of humans and animals upon exposure. Sources of this unsanitary condition include the following:

• Sewage from a toilet or bidet containing urine and fecal matter
• Flood water from rivers and streams
• Ground surface water entering a home or building

Aside from the expense and inconvenience of water damage, serious illness and disease can result from encountering unsanitary water in various ways. Ingesting it, inhaling it in droplet form, and even exposing broken or unbroken skin can be hazardous to one’s health. Campylobacteriosis, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, leptospirosis and gastroenteritis are common infections caused by this kind of exposure and typically produce diarrhea, fever and chills. More serious threats include hepatitis and infected wounds that can escalate to become life-threatening, especially if left untreated.

Remedying Concerns

A timely and professional response is crucial in remediating a home compromised by raw sewage. Contaminated water must be extracted, and an assessment of what can withstand antimicrobial cleaning, and what must be discarded, must be made. Because mold can begin growing within hours of a deluge, thorough drying of the area is likely to be one of the first steps to take.

Water damage of any kind is an event that no homeowner relishes, but the presence of biohazards can add anxiety to an already challenging situation. Bringing a home back to its pre-flood cleanliness and comfort is doable in most situations. Safe and effective industry-standard procedures have been developed and can take away the worry associated with black water flooding.