<P> Water damage describes a large number of possible losses caused by water intruding where it will enable attack of a material or system by destructive processes such as rotting of wood, growth, rusting of steel, de-laminating of materials such as plywood, and many others . </P> <P> The damage may be imperceptibly slow and minor such as water spots that could eventually mar a surface, or it may be instantaneous and catastrophic such as flooding . However fast it occurs, water damage is a major contributor to loss of property . </P> <P> An insurance policy may or may not cover the costs associated with water damage and the process of water damage restoration . While a common cause of residential water damage is often the failure of a sump pump, many homeowner's insurance policies do not cover the associated costs without an addendum which adds to the monthly premium of the policy . Often the verbiage of this addendum is similar to "Sewer and Drain Coverage". </P> <P> In the United States, those individuals who are affected by widescale flooding may have the ability to apply for government and FEMA grants through the Individual Assistance program . On a larger level, businesses, cities, and communities can apply to the FEMA Public Assistance program for funds to assist after a large flood . For example, the city of Fond du Lac Wisconsin received $1.2 million FEMA grant after flooding in June 2008 . The program allows the city to purchase the water damaged properties, demolish the structures, and turn the properties into public green space . </P>

Which property of water allows a paper towel to pick up a puddle of wate