Bacteria Water Testing in Connecticut
Total coliform bacteria water testing in Connecticut is a a primary indicator of “potability” or suitability for consumption. If you have a private well you should test your well water at least once a year for bacteria. Also test your water if you have a new well or pump installed, or if there are any environmental changes.
This water test measures the presence or concentration of total coliform bacteria, which are associated with the possible presence of disease causing organisms.
Sources of Bacteria:
Coliform bacteria are a natural part of the microbiology of the intestinal tract of warm blooded mammals, including man. Coliform bacteria can also be found in soil, other animals, insects, etc. in CT. The total coliform group is relatively easy to culture in the lab, and therefore, has been selected as the primary indicator bacteria for the presence of disease causing organisms.
Potential Health Risks:
Coliform bacteria are not pathogenic (disease causing) organisms, and are only mildly infectious. For this reason these bacteria are relatively safe to work with in the laboratory. If fecal coliforms or E. coli are found in CT water, there is a high probability that other pathogenic bacteria or organisms, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, may be
present.
Public drinking water suppliers in Connecticut are required to demonstrate the absence of total coliform bacteria in the drinking water they provide. It is up to the private well owner to have his or her water tested in the state
Treatment:
Bacteria are removed by disinfection and/or filtration. Filtration alone may not be completely effective, but it can improve the performance of disinfectants by removing sediment that can shelter the bacteria.
Common disinfectants include chlorine, iodine, ozone, ultraviolet light, and physical methods such as boiling or steam sterilization. Chlorination is still the most common disinfection method in the United States including CT, although recent concerns have been raised about the reaction of chlorine with organic matter in water. Such a reaction can result in the formation of trihalomethanes, which are suspect carcinogenic compounds. For individual water supply systems, a common form of treatment is ultraviolet disinfection.
Call our Connecticut water testing specialists today to schedule an appointment 888-558-1574.
