BSI ID: G 0.3

Water can impair the integrity and availability of information stored on analogue and digital data carriers. Information stored in the working memory of IT systems is also at risk.

The uncontrolled ingress of water into buildings or rooms can be caused, for example, by:

• Disruptions in the water supply or sewage disposal,

• Defects in the heating system,

• Defects in air conditioning systems with water connections,

• Defects in sprinkler systems,

• Water used to extinguish fires, and

• Water sabotage, e.g. by opening taps and blocking drains.

Regardless of how water enters buildings or rooms, there is a risk that supply facilities or IT components will be damaged or put out of operation (short circuit, mechanical damage, rust, etc.). Especially if central building supply facilities (main distribution boards for electricity, telephone, data) are located in basement rooms without automatic drainage, ingress of water can cause very high damage.

Problems can also arise as a result of frost. For example, pipes in areas susceptible to frost can leak if water remains standing in them during prolonged periods of frost. Even existing thermal insulation will eventually be overcome by the frost.

Example:

• In a server room, a water pipe ran underneath the ceiling, which was covered with plasterboard elements. When a connection in the water pipe leaked, this was not detected in time. The escaping water first collected at the lowest point of the cladding before escaping and causing a short circuit in the power distribution board located below. This meant that both the water and power supply to the affected part of the building had to be completely shut off until the repair was completed.