Gray water presents a possible health risk since the waters may contain chemical or biological contamination. These waters include discharges from dishwashers, washing machines, sinks, showers, aquariums, and water beds. With gray water cleanup, time is of the essence. This is because after 48 hours in contact with building surfaces, most gray water should be reclassified as black water, which presents a positive health risk. Black water is presumed to contain multiple and potentially harmful contaminants. Black water includes floodwaters containing soil, as well as any sewage waters. Raw sewage is contaminated with microbes, including bacteria, protozoans, molds, fungi, and viruses. Many of these organisms are pathogenic to humans, causing diseases such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, and numerous gastroenteritis-type illnesses. It is essential to take proper precautions are taken throughout the drying-out process, to reduce and/or eliminate this risk. Building floods can occur for many reasons–rainwater leaks, burst plumbing pipes, sewage backups or ground water intrusions from storms or hurricanes. Black and gray water flooding are considered hazardous and should be treated as such. Banner Environmental provides both black/gray water cleanup. Our team will remove and dispose of standing water and damaged porous materials, dry affected areas, then clean and sanitize building contents, structural support systems and HVAC systems. Once completed, a retest is conducted to certify the building is safe to be re-occupied. Our trained, professional team of technicians is licensed, insured, and ready to respond to black or gray water cleanup. Providing such services throughout New England including Rhode Island, Greater Boston, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.