Why Floodwater Colors Matter

10/31/2024 (Permalink)

Don't let your floodwaters worsen! Our team can extract the water with ease!

Before you can assess the scope of a flooding disaster on your property, be very mindful of the floodwater’s color. This will determine how healthy the water is and how safe it is for your exposure. We’ll give you a guide to the three floodwater colors and what they mean below!

Clear Colored Water

In the immediate aftermath of a flood, the water will likely be clear in color. This is where the floodwater is at its safest. It usually comes from broken supply lines or faucets, but can devolve into one of the other colors if left unchecked.

Gray Colored Water

Gray-colored water usually results from toilet overflows, dishwasher overflows, or washing machines. This water can be harmful if ingested and cause serious illness. You shouldn’t try to enter these waters, so observing and documenting from a distance is your best course of action.

Black Colored Water

When floodwaters are black, they’re at their most dangerous level in terms of health hazards. It usually comes from unhealthy sources, such as sewage pipe bursts, toilet overflows, or river water. This can cause serious illness and death if ingested, so you should stay as far away from it as possible!

Flood Restoration With SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Greater Hunterdon County will ensure that any negative health effects never manifest after a flood. We’ll extract the water and clean your property thoroughly to keep it safe and healthy. Contact us for 24/7 response times to flood damage incidents!