The Difference Between Grey Water and Black Water

What comes to your mind when you think of the plumbing system? Do you think about the types of water flowing inside those pipes? Well, most of us don’t bother to think about the types of water but during the water damage it may cause some serious issues. There are three main types of water:

1. White Water – The name suggests that it is clean water, free from bacterias and viruses.
2. Grey Water – The water that flows from places such as shower, basin, bath and washing machine.
3. Black Water – The water is generated from places such as toilets, dishwasher. The level of contamination is high.

First, let’s draw the line between grey and black water in detail.

Grey Water

Grey water or in other words sullage is the water generated in households or office buildings from streams without having any fecal contamination. The main sources of grey water include dishwashers, sinks, washing machine, showers, and baths.

Where to use Grey Water?

1. Constructed Wetlands
2. Pumped Systems
3. Irrigation System

Basic Guidelines for Using Grey Water:

1. Grey water is not the same as fresh water and to reuse it you need to follow a few tips.
2. The grey water should not be stored for more than 24 hours. It may start creating bad odors.
3. The contact with grey water should be minimum. It may contain a pathogen, which is not good for people or animals to drink.
4. Don’t let the grey water to pool up or run off. It may cause mosquito breeding grounds.
5. Install a 3-way valve to switch between the sewer/septic and grey water system easily.
6. If you are using grey water for irrigation, make sure to match the amount of grey water your plants need.

Black Water

Black water contains pathogens of the nutrients of urine and feces that are diluted in the flush water. It requires treatment either by chemical or biological agents including disinfection. Black water is not suitable for indoors usage before or after any treatment except it is done by systems producing drinking quality water.

Black water may also come from natural floods where heavy rain causes rivers and streams to overflow. When river water mixes with sewer water, it creates blackwater. This water can cause illnesses. The water during floods may also come under black water category, you need to analyze it. Otherwise, it may be harmful for you.

During any natural calamity, if certified water damage restoration experts do not remove black water timely, it will rot, dry out and may further lead to infections and illness due to the airborne contamination.

The Difference!

The key difference between the two is that grey water is clean as compared to black water. Black water has come into contact with fecal matter, which contains harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens. Moreover, the waste in black water doesn’t break down and decompose fast or effectively hence holds the risk of contamination.

Also, grey water can be reused if preventive measures are taken and it is not recommended to reuse black water until and unless it is not treated well with high purifying systems.

Water Damage Restoration

Dealing with gray or black water in crucial situations may cause severe illness. If you’re not properly prepared to handle the situation, the damage may get worse.

Expert water damage restoration company provides quick relief against any type of water damage – gray or black. The restoration professionals ensure mold growth is treated, which is a genuine concern after water damage.

So, if you are facing any issue with the prevention of grey or black water, contact Dry Effect today!