Stagnant water is standing water that is trapped or sits undisturbed for hours/days. Standing or stagnant water is usually a result of flood and water leaks. Basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms are common areas where you can find standing water.

Plumbing leaks within the house or rainwater leaking through roof or windows can also be some of the main cause of stagnant water. While these can be clean sources of standing water, sources like flooding and sewage backups can be the contaminated source of standing water.

As a property owner, it is your duty to check for standing water within your property or compound, especially after events like floods or storms. There are several health risks associated with standing water, the dangers of which can grow worse over time.

Mold

Standing water saturates the floors and walls, this, in turn, can create support mold growth. Involvement of sewage or other contaminants in stagnant water catalyzes the possibility of mold growth. For instance, under favorable conditions and with clean water, mold requires a maximum of 72 hours to thrive. However, if contaminants are involved, it can thrive in 24 hours.

Structural damage

A crack in the foundation can turn out to be deadly with a condition like standing water. Water can easily sweep in and the damage can go unnoticed until its too late. This is something that can seriously affect the structure of your property.

Stagnant water can slowly but definitely dissolve and deteriorate drywall, flooring, carpeting and cabinets.

Insects and rodents

Standing water can be a good breeding source for insects like mosquitoes. This gives way to problems like malaria and dengue. Zika virus and West Nile Virus can be bigger or serious concerns that can even lead to fatality.

Similarly, mice, rats and possums can always be on the lookout for watering holes. They can spread diseases and consider your house as the perfect place to thrive.

Some of the health risks associated with standing water are:

• Malaria
• Rotavirus
• Fungus
• Dengue Fever
• Entamoeba
• Zika fever

Stagnant water is often hard to detect and goes unnoticed especially in areas like crawlspaces and lawns. Preventing standing water is the key to alleviating related health hazards. Once you find stagnant water within your property, it is ideal to get it inspected by professional water removal specialists, especially if the source seems old and involves sewage.

One way of telling whether the standing water is old is by the smell of it. Standing water involving sewage can start smelling with time and look for the smell of rotten egg. Ensure that your lawn has proper drainage and get your water and plumbing systems in your house checked at least once a year.

Next: Signs of Water Damage in  Your House

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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