Testing for the Presence of Coliform in Your Well Water
Ensuring that your family’s drinking water is safe is one of your biggest concerns as a homeowner. E. Coli and other bacteria can thrive in your home’s well water. One way to ensure that your drinking water is safe is to have it tested for the presence of coliform. Coliform testing is a simple procedure that can help you determine the safety of your drinking water supply.
Coliform is a type of bacteria that lives in the digestive tracts of animals. While some forms of coliform bacteria are safe, others, such as E. Coli, are cause for concern. Testing of your well water can determine if coliform is present, giving you an indication of whether or not your water is contaminated. If coliform is found in your water, the chances of you or a family member becoming ill is greatly increased.
You may be wondering how E. Coli and other coliform bacteria can get into your well water, in the first place. There are several ways this can happen, and many are easy to prevent. Your well cap may be missing, cracked, or defective, allowing pathogens to enter your drinking water with ease. Cracks or holes in your well’s casing can also introduce bacteria and other contaminants. A third cause is well-flooding during heavy rains and storms.
Coliform testing is typically done in the spring, though you should make sure to have testing done before you move into a new home, regardless of the time of year. Making sure your water is free from E. Coli and other harmful contaminants will keep you and your family healthy.