The document provides guidelines for coliform bacteria testing in private water wells, emphasizing the importance of annual testing and immediate follow-up testing after construction or any work on the well. It explains the types of coliform bacteria, the reasons for testing, and proper sample collection methods. Additionally, it advises actions to take if coliform bacteria are detected, including emergency chlorination and boiling water before use.

1. A COMPLETE GUIDE
TO
COLIFORM BACTERIA TESTING

2. The experts at microbial testing services strongly
recommend annual coliform bacteria testing for private
water wells.

3. Coliform bacteria potentially contaminate the
water in various ways thus it is necessary to
test the water at right time.

4. 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.

5. 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).

6. Total coliforms are found in the soil, in water
that are influenced by surface water, and in
animal or human waste.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. THANK YOU
CONTACT US
Biosan Laboratories, Inc.
Website: www.biosan.com
Email: info@biosan.com
Mob: +1-800-253-6800
Mob: +1-586-755-8970