Total Coliform Bacteria In Well Water Treatment

If coliform bacteria are present in your drinking water your risk of contracting a water borne illness is increased.

Total coliform bacteria in well water treatment.

The most common water test for bacteria is for total coliform bacteria. Although total coliforms can come from sources other than fecal matter a positive total coliform sample should be considered an indication of pollution in your well. What is coliform bacteria. If your water tests positive for total coliforms and positive for e coli there s a fecal contamination source which could be a leaking septic system or agricultural runoff containing animal waste.

This measurement includes all coliform bacteria. Animal feces raw surface water soil and decaying plants normally contain varying amounts of coliform. The bacteria are then grown in a laboratory and quantified. Measurement of coliform bacteria in drinking water.

This test is readily available to the public and is inexpensive generally 10 to 30. Coliform bacteria is a group of 16 species of bacteria used to indicate water quality. Water tests for total coliform bacteria can be arranged through a local office of the pennsylvania department of environmental protection dep or by a state certified commercial water. Total coliform fecal coliform and e.

Generally speaking if your water tests positive for total coliforms but negative for e coli surface water has infiltrated the well. There are three measurements of coliform bacteria. These species are broken down into three groups. Water samples for coliform bacteria must be collected in sterile bottles using specific procedures.

The presence of total coliform indicates that your water source has been exposed to environmental.