Clean water is considered by the water damage industry to be category 1. This water is less dangerous and can be handled without the use of extreme caution.

Most materials that were directly affected (touched) by this can be salvaged after a thorough cleaning, sanitizing, and deodorizing. Notable exceptions to this rule include cardboard (boxes) and carpet padding. Items that are very absorbent such as these should be disposed.

Clean water is most often caused by an appliance failure, broken water supply pipe, or outdoor runoff.

Clean water that has been untreated for between 72 to 94 hours should be treated as dirty water, as it posseses harmful contaminantes such as bacteria and other mold causing organisms.