Total Coliform Bacteria
Test for Total Coliform Bacteria in Drinking Water
What is coliform bacteria?
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms found in drinking water is a warning of a potential problem.
E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that water may be contaminated by human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
The test for Total Coliform Bacteria will identify the presence or absence of E, coli.
What are the health effects of coliform bacteria?
Most coliform bacteria do not cause illness. However, their presence in a water system is a public health concern because of the potential for disease-causing strains of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa to also be present. Waterborne disease from these organisms typically involves flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and diarrhea.
The USEPA recommends that well water be tested at least once per year for total coliform bacteria.
Your test kit will include sample bottles and easy to follow sample collection instructions. When testing is complete, a report will be issued identifying any problems detected with your sample. Please note: this test package must be returned to the lab within 24 hours of collection.
