Bacteria Water Testing CT

What are coliform bacteria?
In Connecticut coliform bacteria make up a large group of bacteria that are found in soils, on plants, and in surface water.  Certain coliform bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals. 

Coliforms are not harmful themselves, but when present in your drinking water, disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites may have gotten into the water supply by the same route as the coliforms.  The presence of coliforms in a bacteria water test is an indication of possible contamination. 

What do I do if my Connecticut drinking water tests positive for coliform bacteria? 
When a drinking water sample is positive for coliform bacteria, it is then be tested for Eschericia coli (E. coli) or fecal coliforms.  Your drinking water samples analyzed for total coliform bacteria are automatically checked for E. coli.  

If a water test for E. coli or fecal coliforms is positive in CT, the water is not safe to drink!  The water should first be boiled for at least one minute or disinfected. 

What are the health risks of drinking water positive for E. coli and fecal coliforms?
Consuming water containing E. coli and fecal coliforms can cause intestinal upset as well as diseases such as dysentery, hepatitis, and giardiasis.

What are the possible sources of contamination?
Most bacteria in Connecticut wells or springs come from surface water directly entering the well. The water may be contaminated by bacteria that are naturally in the soils, decayed animal waste or human activities. As surface water seeps downward through the soil to the water table, these bacteria are often naturally removed by the soils. The extent of removal depends on the depth and character of the soil. In general, shallow wells and springs are more likely to be contaminated than deep wells. Wells and springs must be properly located, constructed and maintained in order to prevent surface water from entering the well or spring.

Presence of coliform bacteria in CT wells or springs can result from:

1. Well or spring covers that allow dust, rain, bird droppings, insects, etc. to enter.
2. Wells or springs located in areas where surface water covers the source during the wet periods of the year.
3. Defective steel well-casing seals.
4. Shallow wells or rock lined springs/wells.
5. Recent changes or repairs to the well or spring, pumps, piping, etc.
6. Improper well location and/or construction.

If you have one or more of the problems described above, you want to have it corrected. If it is not corrected, the problem may reoccur, even after repeated disinfection.

Call us to schedule an appointment to have your water tested today! 888-558-1574