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Coliform Bacteria
Background |
Health Concerns |
There are many types of bacteria on earth,
but not all pose a health threat to animals and humans.
Some consume organic debris or produce byproducts that
kill some pathogens.
Total Coliform bacteria are a group of closely related
species that are generally not harmful; therefore they
have been selected as an indicator of other harmful
biological organisms in drinking water for two main reasons.
First, if total coliform bacteria are found in a water sample,
it indicates surface contamination (from construction or recent
repairs) has reached the water and disease causing organisms
may be present. Second, total coliform bacteria can be killed
by disinfection, meaning chlorination or boiling of the water.
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Fecal Coliform and Eschericha coli bacteria (found in greater
amounts in animal fecal matter than total coliform) can cause
diarrhea, vomiting, typhoid fever, dysentery, salmonellosis,
hepatitis, cholera, possibly jaundice, headaches, and fatigue.
A positive total coliform result could indicate the presence
of these bacteria.
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Remedies |
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If a present or “unsafe” result is returned to you, the water should not be used
unless it is boiled for one minute, the water source is disinfected with
chlorine (well owner or licensed well driller or pump installer can do this),
filtration, ultraviolet irradiation, ozonation, silver treatment, iodination, or
pasteurization is completed, or buy bottled water. |
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Sources of Bacteria |
Why test for Coliform Bacteria |
- Human and animal waste (feedlots, pets, septic systems)
- Seepage or discharge from septic tanks, sewage treatment
facilities, and natural soil and plant bacteria
- Insects, rodents, or other animals entering well
- Flood waters or suface runoff
- Any system with casing or caps that are not water-tight
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- If an infant is living in the home
- If you have recently installed a new well, pump. or pipes
- If family members have reoccurring gastrointestinal illnesses
- If you are buying a new home with a private water supply
- If there is a change in odor, taste, or appearance of your water
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