Category 3 water loss

Category 3 water loss is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. Examples of category 3 water sources can include, but are not limited to: sewage; toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap regardless of visible content or color; and other contaminated water entering or affecting the indoor environment, such as wind-driven rain from hurricanes, tropical storms, or other weather-related events. Such water sources may carry silt, organic matter, pesticides, heavy metals, regulated materials, or toxic organic substances.


This is the highest level of contamination. Precautions to protect workers and building occupants must be taken.  These may include the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and/or Air filtration devices (AFD) with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters.