Bacterial contamination cannot be detected through smell, sight or taste and can spread quickly. Although the area might have been cleaned, high levels of dangerous bacteria could still remain. Immediate testing for bacteria is necessary when Category III water is suspected or known to have been present.
The water may have been wiped away but dangerous bacteria such as Fecal Coliform and E.coli could remain potentially causing harm to the occupants. Diseases and illnesses that can be contracted by high fecal coliform counts include typhoid fever, hepatitis, dysentery, gastrointestinal infections, meningitis and septicemia.
BACTERIA AND SEWAGE ASSESSMENTS
Bacteria, particularly from a sewage loss, is certainly not a pleasant topic, but an important one nonetheless. Bacteria can be found in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the surfaces around us. Although bacteria are naturally present everywhere, some bacteria are harmful to humans and have the potential to cause sickness, disease and even death. It is our responsibility to make sure the buildings we own or occupy are free from elevated levels of dangerous bacteria.
Common Types of Bacteria
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One of the most dangerous types of bacteria, especially in hospital and healthcare settings, is MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus). MRSA is caused by a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to many of the antibiotics. It can be extremely difficult to treat and can survive on surfaces such as towels, razors, toilet seats, and athletic equipment for hours, days, or even weeks. It can spread easily and cause infections if it gets into an open cut or wound; which is why testing immediately is necessary when there is suspicion of MRSA contamination.
Other common groups of Bacteria are Total Coliform, Fecal Coliform and E.coli, particularly from sewage water. Floods are difficult in their own right, but one of the biggest challenges is the prevalence of sewage in the water where some of the most dangerous bacteria can be found. While the water may have been wiped away, this dangerous bacteria in the Coliform could remain potentially causing harm to the occupants.
Total Coliforms, gram-negative, aerobic or facultative anaerobic rods originally believed to be isolated only to the presence of fecal contamination. However, Total Coliforms are found in nature as well and not only associated with fecal contamination.
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Fecal Coliform is a more accurate indicator of fecal contamination due to its ability to grow at elevated temperatures. The presence of Fecal Coliform indicates that fecal contamination has occurred.
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E. coli (Escherichia coli), a substrain of Fecal Coliform, is commonly found in the feces of warm-blooded animals. Its presence provides direct evidence of fecal contamination. Diseases and illnesses that can be contracted by high Fecal Coliform and E. coli counts include typhoid fever, hepatitis, dysentery, gastrointestinal infections, meningitis and septicemia.
Categories of Contaminated Water
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After a water loss, the resulting water damage falls onto one of three categories. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) water classification explains that the categories of water refer to the range of contamination in water.
CATEGORY I - Clean Water | Originates from a sanitary source and does not pose a substantial risk if ingested or inhaled.
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Water supply lines
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Sink overflow
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Melting ice/snow and Rainwater
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Toilet tanks and Toilet bowls without contaminants
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CATEGORY II - Gray Water | Significantly contaminated with microorganisms and may cause sickness of ingested or inhaled.
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Dishwasher/washing machine discharge or overflow.
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Toilet bowl overflow with urine
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Hydrostatic pressure seepage (commonly occurs in basements or slabs)
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Broken aquariums or Punctured water beds
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CATEGORY III - Black Water | Much more contaminated than Category II and grossly unsanitary with dangerous levels of bacteria.
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Septic tank / Waste line backflows originating from beyond the trap
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Seawater and Rising water from rivers/streams
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Wind-driven rain from hurricanes and tropical storms
Testing for Bacteria Contamination
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Bacteria contamination cannot be detected through smell, sight or taste and can spread quickly. Although the affected area may have been cleaned, high levels of dangerous bacteria could still remain. Therefore, after a water loss where contamination is suspected or known to have been present, immediate testing for bacteria is necessary to ensure the health and safety of those living or working in the affected area.
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During a Bacteria Assessment, a Council-Certified Microbial Consultant, like ours at TRUST Environmental Solutions, takes surface samples from the affected areas which are analyzed for contamination such as E.coli and Fecal Coliform by an American Industrial Hygiene Association accredited laboratory. If the sample analysis positively identifies bacteria contamination, a remediation protocol report will be written detailing how to safely remove the contamination.
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Once the contractor has completed the microbial cleanup, a Post Bacteria Remediation Clearance Inspection is conducted to ensure the work has been carried out to the highest industry standards and the contamination have been eradicated.
