A COMPLETE GUIDE TO COLIFORM BACTERIA TESTING
The experts at microbial testing services strongly recommend annual coliform bacteria testing for private water wells.
Coliform bacteria potentially contaminate the water in various ways thus it is necessary to test the water at right time.
You need to remember the below cases to remain safe always. Carry out coliform bacteria test at least once a year for all private residential water wells. Conduct the test when a new well has been constructed. ·Do not forget to have coliform test after something has been done on the well.
WHAT IS COLIFORM BACTERIA? There are two categories of coliform bacteria in general that are found in well water - total coliform and fecal coliform or Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Total coliforms are found in the soil, in water that are influenced by surface water, and in animal or human waste.
E. coli is the key species in the fecal coliform group and is treated as the best indicator of fecal pollution and the possible existence of pathogens.
WHY SHOULD WE DO COLIFORM TESTING? To know the standard of your water i.e. whether safe for human use, you must carry out coliform bacteria testing.
The test for total coliform bacteria is the most basic test for bacterial contamination of a water supply. Total coliform numbers provide a general indication of the sanitary condition of the water supply.
WHICH MICROBIAL TESTING LAB DO WE PREFER? Even though the at-home test is easy, fast, and effective for determining if your well water has coliform and E.coli or not, you should go for a well-known microbial testing lab to get more precise solutions.
HOW DO WE COLLECT WATER SAMPLE FOR TEST?
·Clean your hands with soap and warm water. ·Take the sample from a cold water tap. Use a tap without a screen or remove the screen before collecting the sample.
Open the tap freely for a couple of minutes prior to collecting the sample. ·Hold the bottle near the tap base to collect the sample. Fill it at least 200 ml and never overfill the bottle. Tight the bottle and it is secure, but do not over-tighten it. Place the identification label from the requisition form on the bottle.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO IF COLIFORM BACTERIA ARE DETECTED IN OUR WATER? If E.coli or fecal coliform are identified in the water, the first step should be an emergency chlorination that usually lasts two to five days. During that period it is recommended that you should vigorously boil the drinking and cooking water for one-two minutes before using it. In case of fecal coliform or E. coli, you should disinfect the system after identify the source of your bacterial contamination.
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Biosan Laboratories, Inc. Website: www.biosan.com
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