When hearing the term “Black Water,” perhaps what comes to mind is swamp land, backwoods dwelling, or even a barrel of moonshine. But when the subject is water damage, black water, also known as “Category 3 Water,” describes the worst kind of water that can affect your home or business.

Considered grossly unsanitary, this water contains harmful bacteria and fungi, which could cause severe discomfort or sickness for those occupying a property that has been affected by black water. Black water that comes from a sewage source is obviously something to avoid and have removed appropriately by professionals. However, what many property owners do not understand is that any water that has not been promptly removed from a flooded structure, and has remained stagnant may be re-classified as Category 3 Water.

Such was the case when black water became an issue for a couple in Bell Glade, Florida. The couple left on an extended vacation, thinking all was well with their home while they were gone. Unfortunately, they did not have a house sitter or a neighbor checking on their property while they were away. Upon their return, they discovered that their hot water heater had broken, a very common cause of water damage, resulting in a completely flooded home. If the couple had caught the water loss immediately and employed a water restoration company, then the problem would not have worsened and they would not have been faced with black water. But because the water was left standing for weeks, the job of water damage restoration became much more involved.