How do I get rid of coliform in my well water?
A Penn State study found that approximately 15 percent of wells with coliform bacteria could be treated by shock chlorinating the well and installing a sanitary well cap. This was especially true for wells that had small numbers of coliform bacteria (fewer than 10 colonies per 100 mL).
What is a safe level of coliform in well water?
<1
Satisfactory / safe: If the total coliform bacteria and E. coli test results are ABSENT or the most-probable-number is <1 the water is bacterially safe for drinking purposes.
Why does my well keep testing positive for coliform?
The presence of coliform bacteria in tap water suggests that there could be a problem with existing equipment or treatment systems, contamination of the source water or a breach in the distribution system that could introduce E. coli contamination.
Do water filters remove coliform?
Biological contaminants such as coliform bacteria are most effectively eliminated through chlorine disinfection, filtration, ultraviolet irradiation, and ozonation. This can be accomplished with either a whole home filtration system, an under the sink solution, or a counter top system like the Berkey Water Filter.
Will a water filter remove coliform?
How does coliform get in well water?
Coliform can enter your well through groundwater, surface water run-off, cracked or broken well parts, poor construction, and leaking septic tanks. Coliform in your well water can mean there are disease-causing organisms such as E. coli.
Will boiling water remove coliform bacteria?
Boiling water kills coliform bacteria, but does not remove nitrate. Do NOT boil water with both coliform and nitrate. It may increase the nitrate level, making the problem worse!
How often should you chlorinate your well?
every 3 to 5 years
Homeowners with private wells should have their well water tested every 3 to 5 years for some contaminants, including bacteria. If these tests turn up positive for bacteria, chlorinating the well may be a way to resolve the problem.
Do you have to test for coliform bacteria in well water?
Laboratories don’t have to solely test for total coliform bacteria in wells, either – they’ll usually be able to give you a broad spectrum of which contaminants are found in your drinking water supply, and assess your overall water quality.
What do you need to know about coliform bacteria?
If testing detects coliform bacteria in a water sample, water systems search for the source of contamination and restore safe drinking water. There are three groups of coliform bacteria. Each is an indicator of drinking water quality and each has a different level of risk.
What kind of bacteria is in well water?
The group also includes non-fecal coliform bacteria. One species of fecal coliform bacteria is Escherichia coli. If E. coli or other fecal coliform bacteria are in well water, the water has come into contact with human or animal waste and could cause disease.
What are the symptoms of coliform in water?
But if disease-causing coliform makes its way into our drinking water, we may experience symptoms including: 1 Fever 2 Diarrhea 3 Stomach cramps 4 Nausea 5 Vomiting 6 Fatigue 7 Headaches