Water Damage Restoration: IICRC Categories
Author: Jessika James
According to the ANSI/IICRC S500 Fifth Edition, water "Categories" refer to the range of contamination, considering both the source and its quality after it contacts materials at the job site. Before starting water mitigation services, it's essential to evaluate and categorize the water loss. This information helps technicians implement the necessary safety precautions, engineering controls, specialty procedures, and the appropriate level of personal protective equipment (PPE).
This article will highlight some of the main points of the IICRC Categories of water, but for more in-depth explanations, please refer to the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage. To order your copy, please click here to visit IICRC’s webstore.
Category 1 water originates from a sanitary source and does not pose a substantial risk from skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. Examples include:
- Broken water supply lines
- Overflowing tubs or sinks without soaps, chemicals, or soils
- Appliance malfunctions involving water supply lines
- Melting ice or snow without contaminants
- Falling rainwater
- Broken toilet tanks
- Toilet bowls without contaminants or additives
Category 1 water can deteriorate to Category 2 or 3 if conditions change. For instance, if it flows into a contaminated building, Category 1 water can potentially deteriorate to a higher category. Microbial loads in abnormally wet environments can amplify and, depending on the length of time and temperatures, change the water’s category. Odors often indicate that Category 1 water has deteriorated into Category 2.
Category 2:
Category 2 water contains significant contamination and can cause discomfort or illness if contacted or consumed. This water can contain unsafe amounts of potentially pathogenic microorganisms or nutrients for microorganisms and/or organic or inorganic chemical or biological matter. Examples include:
- Discharge from dishwashers or washing machines
- Overflows from washing machines
- Toilet bowl overflows from the room side of the trap with urine but no feces
- Seepage due to hydrostatic pressure
- Broken aquariums
- Punctured water beds
Depending on time, temperature, and microbial amplification, Category 2 may deteriorate to Category 3.
Category 3 water is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents, and can cause severe adverse health effects if contacted or consumed. Examples include:
- Sewage
- Wasteline backflows from beyond any trap
- Flooding from seawater or rising rivers
- Wind-driven rain from hurricanes or tropical storms
Category 3 water can contain trace levels of hazardous or regulated materials such as pesticides or toxic organic substances.Â
Given the health risks, the mitigation contractor’s primary consideration is the safety of workers, occupants (especially high-risk individuals such as infants, the elderly, or the immune-compromised), pets, and visitors. An Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) or specialized expert may be necessary to assess contamination.
Handling Regulated, Hazardous Materials, or Mold
If a water damage restoration project involves regulated or hazardous materials, a specialized expert may be needed for assessment. Restorers must always comply with local laws and regulations. Potentially hazardous materials include:
- Arsenic
- Mercury
- Lead
- Asbestos
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Ethylene glycol
- Pesticides
- Fuels and solvents
- Hazardous combustion by-products
- Caustic chemicals
- Radiological residues
For visible or suspected mold, refer to the ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation, and follow all local laws or regulations.
The presence of any of these contaminants does not change the assigned category of water, but qualified individuals or specialized professionals may be required to assess, abate, or remediate prior to restorative drying services.
Learn More and Get Certified
Are you interested in diving deeper into the world of water damage restoration and understanding the IICRC categories in detail? Register for our online IICRC Water Restoration Technician certification class. This comprehensive course covers all you need to know to excel in this field. To view our online class schedule, click here.
For more information, feel free to call us at 725-777-1746 or email us at [email protected]. We’re here to help you every step of the way!