Total Coliform Bacteria In Well Water Treatment

What is coliform bacteria.

Total coliform bacteria in well water treatment.

Coliform bacteria are organisms which may be present in well water. These species are broken down into three groups. The most common water test for bacteria is for total coliform bacteria. Water samples for coliform bacteria must be collected in sterile bottles using specific procedures.

There are three measurements of coliform bacteria. This test is readily available to the public and is inexpensive generally 10 to 30. These bacteria can migrate into well water and cause the water to become biologically polluted. The bacteria are then grown in a laboratory and quantified.

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. This measurement includes all coliform bacteria. Measurement of coliform bacteria in drinking water. If coliform bacteria are present in your drinking water your risk of contracting a water borne illness is increased.

Total coliform is a catch all term for the bacteria used in coliform testing. Animal feces raw surface water soil and decaying plants normally contain varying amounts of coliform. 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. Coliform bacteria is a group of 16 species of bacteria used to indicate water quality.

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.