Water Restoration for Restorers In a Hurry: Part 3

The key takeaway from this section is that many restorers assert that when water comes into contact with the floor, it automatically becomes dirty water, leading to a change in category. Some individuals make simplistic statements, such as “you wouldn’t drink it,” while others base category changes on factors like the presence of microbial growth (MOLD). However, as previously explained at the end of part 2, Regulated and Hazardous materials are not the same as the category of water and may cause confusion when attempting to categorize.

It’s essential to consider a scenario. Take, for instance, the water you use for mopping. Wouldn’t that water, by the same logic, undergo a category change? You may argue against it, stating that you used a cleaner and it looks and smells clean. However, have you tested it? What proof can you provide that it’s in sanitary conditions? As you will read ahead, there are things to understand and consider; otherwise, be prepared to face challenges.

Categorization 

To predetermine the category of water, certain factors should be considered. The source of loss (where it came from) is more crucial than the cause of loss; these are two different things. Time and temperature play significant roles—consider how long the materials have been affected, along with the temperature of the materials, not just the atmosphere. Just like food left outside the fridge spoils quicker due to the temperature and the duration it has been unattended.

Pro Tip: Measure the temperature of affected materials with your thermal imaging camera during assessments. This adds valuable data beyond identifying cold or hot spots, contributing to a more comprehensive evaluation. 

Consider the conditions of the home; has the structure undergone water damage before? Perhaps the occupants’ living conditions are poor. Additionally, pets—yes, you heard it right—pets can be an attributing factor to a possible change in category. Another consideration is your olfactory observations (smells); odors become stronger when the odor source has been affected. These are just some of the factors to consider when making your assessment.

However, for additional scientific evidence, employing an ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) Meter will significantly strengthen your documentation. This device involves a special cotton swab that you rub against a surface, typically measuring 2 inches by 2 inches. A specialized machine then assesses the level of glow (energy), providing a numerical value to gauge the cleanliness of the area. The higher the number, the less clean the surface is, indicating its potential to support bacteria or other pathogens.

An easy way to establish what could be considered a Category 1 is to use an ATP swab on a clean source of water, such as a faucet (with good water quality). By comparing this baseline 

measurement to the areas you’ve tested, it’s akin to using a moisture meter where you determine the dry standards. Imagine capturing this entire process on video to promote transparency and reduce potential disputes regarding water damage categorization.

Now we have to understand that currently, the S500 2021 edition has 3 categories: Category 1, 2, and 3. This is meant to assess the potential risk you and the occupant will face when attempting to make a decision. However, many treat category 2 as if it were slightly dirty and handle the loss as a category 1. Remember, category 2 carries a significant amount of contaminants—not insignificant. This means it’s still a risk for both the occupant and you. It even states in the S500 (page 60, section 12.3 Remediation Procedures for Category 2 or 3) – Remediation (Removal/Cleaning) SHOULD occur prior to restorative drying… An environment can be contaminated as a result of pre-existing damage. The remediation procedures SHOULD NOT vary regardless of whether contaminants are the result of water intrusion or pre-existing damage. What does this mean? Well, cat 2 and 3 run the same risk and should not be downplayed.

When faced with water damage, building owners often feel an urgent need to extract the water and initiate the drying process. In cases involving sewage backup (Category 3), some may even consider quick disinfection and equipment placement as a solution. But if you’ve followed along so far, you might be wondering, ‘Aren’t we putting our team and occupants at risk?’ The answer is a resounding ‘yes,’ and this is where the concept of ‘stabilization’ becomes crucial. Many people mistakenly equate drying with stabilization, but they are not the same. Stabilization’s primary goal is to protect both the team and occupants, as well as the unaffected structure.