How is water contamination level categorized?
Category 1 – Sanitary or “clean” water sources are one’s that do not pose an initial health threat. Category 1 sources include broken water supply lines, tub and sink overflows, hot water heater ruptures, appliance water line failures, falling rain water, and broken toilet tanks. Category 2 – Unsanitary or “gray” water sources contain some degree of contamination. “Gray” water sources include but are not limited to, appliance overflows from dishwashers, washing machines, toilet bowls with some urine but without feces, aquariums and waterbeds. Category 3 – Unsanitary or “black” water sources always contain pathogenic agents. “Black” water sources include municipal sewer lines, sea water, ground water, and water from rivers and streams.
