What Is Black Water and Why It Is Dangerous When Ignored

Black water is waste water loaded with biological material such as grease or feces. It is colloquially referred to as “sewage” and contains highly dangerous materials that can pose real health hazards to you and your family.

Not a problem, right? Just avoid it. However, some people are deeply unaware of how easy it is to come into contact with this dangerous water type. One of the most obvious sources of black water is the toilet. Human waste, fecal matter, is generally regarded as a biohazard, especially when people are sick: it can contain bacteria and pathogens that could potentially be passed on to others with improper handling. Kitchen sinks can also be a source of black water as they contain grease, oils, and food chunks that can decay and carry germs with them. Even laundry water from a sick person’s house can be considered black water, for reasons already stated above: airborne bacteria and pathogens.

Black water can also contain a large amount of pharmaceuticals, especially if it is coming from a home in which a sick person resides. This water should never ever be released into the environment, as its toxic makeup can harm the ecosystem.

Algae is a phytoplankton that feeds directly on fertilizer and reacts the way plants do when exposed to that fertilizer: it grows rapidly, creating algal blooms. Not all of them are harmful, but some are deeply detrimental to one’s health and can cause diarrhea, memory loss, nausea and vomiting, and liver failure. Toxic algal blooms can be found in black water.

Black water should be left strictly for a professional to handle in the Indianapolis area: it is too dangerous and toxic for the average homeowner and homemaker to tackle by themselves. Specialized equipment is required in order to clear an area of black water and black water damage safely without causing harm to the health of both the humans and animals who reside in the space. Extended exposure to black water can lead to infections, illnesses, and long-term respiratory problems, while coming into contact with it exposes a human to even more serious health risks and even death in certain cases. The money you think you might be saving is clearly not worth the grave danger to your health.

If you’re currently experiencing problems with black water, it’s best to get professional help. Midwest Remediation is the leading expert in black water removal and other sewage remediation issues within the Indianapolis area. For more information about our services, you can get in touch with us by dialing our number at (317) 826-0940. You can also leave us message through our contact page.