Types of Water: Gray Water, Black Water and White Water

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Need Carpet or Upholstery Cleaning? Call Today – (956) 585-3433

Gray water may sound like something worth reusing, but what's in it exactly? Why don’t we draw the line between gray and black, to break it down. 

The main difference between the two is that black water has come into contact with fecal matter. Fecal matter is a haven for harmful bacteria and disease-causing pathogens. This waste doesn't break down and decompose in water fast or effectively enough for use in domestic irrigation without the risk of contamination.

Gray water, on the other hand, has not come into contact with solid human waste. This greatly decreases the risk of disease and increases the speed at which it can be broken down and safely reabsorbed into an active garden or lawn.

The line between white and gray, however, comes down to a number of possible additions made in the acts of washing, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. Unlike white water, gray water may contain soap particles, fat, and oil from cooking, hair, and even flakes of human skin. The exact contents of gray water depend heavily on the household producing it, so if you want to start reusing your gray water, you have to start regulating exactly what you send down the drain.

If you suffer from water damage in which you have gray or black water in your home call the professionals immediately. We will set up an inspection asap to get a technician out to your home and determine what category is in your home so we can start working on the mitigation process next!

Don’t wait to call SERVPRO of East Mission and South Edinburg for more information on our available services when it comes to black & gray water extraction.