Bacteria

For thorough disinfection of private water supplies we generally recommend automatic chlorination systems, primarily due to the fact with chlorine, its easy to measure a residual in the water, thereby insuring proper and lasting disinfection of the water.

Still, many people do not like to use chlorine for taste and odour concerns, or because of chlorine by-products which can form in chlorinated water. Ultraviolet sterilization works very well, if the system is installed directly at the point of use, or point of entry into the home or building, and the water is very clear, and low in turbidity. Ozone also works well, given the proper sizing of the system, the contact time of the ozone with the water, and design of the ozone reactor.

The coliform group of bacteria, one form of which lives in the intestines of all mammals, and another form that is widely distributed in the natural environment, is used as an indicator of the suitability of water for domestic and potable uses. If coliform is detected, an additional test is performed to see if the coliform is fecal or non-fecal.

Generally, non-fecal coliform detection, means that the water has been exposed to surface run-off and that surface water is contaminating the water source. If the type of coliform is fecal, which can be pathogenic, then the water source has been contaminated by a septic system, or other fecal run-off either from animals or humans.

We find most surface waters (creeks, ponds, rivers) in our area test positive for coliforms, and frequently test positive for e-coli or fecal coliform also. Most ground waters however do not test positive for coliforms, and if coliforms are present, then the well seal may be cracked or broken, or the well may be below a flood level, and allow surface waters to penetrate and contaminate the ground water.

Other bacteria in water, sometimes referred to as heterotrophic, can exist without causing disease, but typically high levels of these bacteria are used as an indicator of microbial growth.

If you have suspected bacterialogical problems with your water and you are on a private water system, such as a well or spring, you should purchase a water test pack but contact our office to specify that you require a bacterialogical test on 1850-923 520 (ROI). This is only provided for customers in the Republic of Ireland because it is critical that the sample reaches the laboratory quickly. You can also fill out our online query form and we'll get back to you very shortly.