Total Coliform Bacteria In Well Water Treatment

This measurement includes all coliform bacteria.

Total coliform bacteria in well water treatment.

Generally speaking if your water tests positive for total coliforms but negative for e coli surface water has infiltrated the well. Water samples for coliform bacteria must be collected in sterile bottles using specific procedures. This test is readily available to the public and is inexpensive generally 10 to 30. 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.

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. Total coliform fecal coliform and e. There are three measurements of 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. These bacteria can migrate into well water and cause the water to become biologically polluted. Coliform bacteria are organisms which may be present in well water. Measurement of coliform bacteria in drinking water.

What is coliform bacteria. The presence of total coliform indicates that your water source has been exposed to environmental. 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. Total coliform is a catch all term for the bacteria used in coliform testing.

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