A Structured Start

Why categorise floods?

We categorise flood incidents to help with our decision
making. Internationally accepted standards classify water
damage incidents according to the source of the water.

1. Clean water - not harmful to humans; from broken
pipes, sink overflows, appliance leaks.

2. Grey water - water which may carry some microorganisms,
for example, water from dishwashers, washing
machines, broken aquariums.

3. Black water - grossly unsanitary water, containing large
quantities of micro-organisms and other contaminants.
This could include sewage entering a building, sea water,
ground surface water and water from streams and rivers.

We also classify Incidents by other factors.

Vertical leaks - where water has spread to the floor below
there will be a greater chance of unpredictable
penetration of water into structural voids and electrical
services.

Aged incidents - prolonged humid conditions over several
days causes absorbent materials to pick up extra moisture.
There is then an increased risk of mould growth, along
with the potential for health affects.