What You Need To Know About Black Water

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Storm damage to a bedroom in Vanderbilt Beach, FL.

When a home in Vanderbilt Beach, FL, experiences heavy rain and subsequential flooding, water damage is the first concern on residents' minds. However, flood water carries with it numerous contaminants that can present issues with clean-up. This type of water is also known as black water.

What Is Black Water?

Black water is water that can't be utilized for drinking, cleaning, or any other use in your home. That's because it has become so contaminated that using it presents health risks. Flood water could contain any number of contaminants:

• chemicals
  
• sewage
  
• hazardous materials
  
  

Contaminated water should never be utilized for any purpose around the home.

How Does Black Water Occur?

Water contamination can occur during and after heavy rainfalls and flooding. Flood water carries with it everything that was on the ground prior to the rain. This can include fertilizers and underground sewage.
Water that has been exposed to these contaminants can quickly become breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria. For this reason, you should never attempt to clean up this type of water damage yourself.

How Does Black Water Clean Up Occur?
After a disaster such as flooding, help becomes available right away. Between your home insurance company and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you'll find options for other places to stay while your home is restored.
A professional restoration company will assess the damage, isolate the black water, and determine the next steps for removing the sewage and restoring the home. These experts will also determine which building materials must be removed and which are unexposed or can be safely cleaned and remain.
Areas of the home impacted by flooding should always be avoided until they have been professionally cleaned and repaired. While experiencing flooding can feel devastating, the safety of the occupants of the home should always be the first concern.