# Category 1 — Clean water

Originates from a sanitary source — a supply line, a tub or sink overflow with no additives, a water heater feed. Most materials can be dried in place if

> Source: https://servpronorhfremont.com/water/categories/category-1-water/
> Last reviewed: 2026-08-22

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# Category 1 — Clean water

 - Water
- Mold
 
 
 
Caution — limited conditions Only under the specific conditions stated. If any of them do not hold, stop. Water category: Category 1 — Clean water

Most materials can be dried in place if drying starts quickly and is documented to a moisture goal.

 
 
Originates from a sanitary source — a supply line, a tub or sink overflow with no additives, a water heater feed. Most materials can be dried in place if drying starts quickly and is documented to a moisture goal. The distinction matters because it changes what the work actually is, and therefore what it costs.
 

## Where it comes from # Link to this section

Originates from a sanitary source — a supply line, a tub or sink overflow with no additives, a water heater feed.

## What it means for the work # Link to this section

Most materials can be dried in place if drying starts quickly and is documented to a moisture goal.

## How it changes with time # Link to this section

Category 1 does not stay Category 1. Time, temperature and contact with building materials or contents degrade it.

This is the part that explains the bill. The same loss, addressed in six hours or discovered in six days, can be two different scopes.

 

## What comes next

Anything left wet becomes a mold question once EPA's 24 to 48 hour drying window has passed. See mold and mold sublimits .

 
 

## Related questions

 - The first hour after any loss
- Water categories and what must be removed
- Mold and the drying window
- What your policy covers
- What to photograph and log
 
 
 

## Sources

Every source cited on this page

 - T2 ANSI/IICRC S500 — IICRC (accessed 2026-08-22)

- T1 A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home — US EPA (accessed 2026-08-22)

- T1 About Mold and Health — CDC (accessed 2026-08-22)
 
 
 Written by: PLACEHOLDER — Restoration Reviewer Reviewed by: PLACEHOLDER — Claims Reviewer Safety reviewed by: PLACEHOLDER — Restoration Reviewer Last reviewed: 2026-08-22