Clean, Gray, and Black Water: The 3 Categories That Change Everything

The short answer

Water losses are graded Category 1 (clean), Category 2 (gray, some contaminants), or Category 3 (black, grossly contaminated). The category sets the required protective measures, what can be salvaged, and how much has to be removed.

Why the category drives the scope

Clean water may only need drying; black water (sewage, flood, prolonged standing water) requires removal and disinfection of porous materials and full safety protocols. Misclassifying it risks health and a failed claim.

Category can escalate over time

Clean water left standing degrades to gray then black as it sits and contacts contaminants. That is another reason fast response matters, the longer the delay, the worse the category.

Assessed and documented correctly

BuildWise classifies the loss, applies the right protocol, and documents it, so the scope and the claim reflect the real conditions.

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