|
Total
Coliform bacteria (TC) refers to bacteria that occur
naturally in soil and decaying vegetation. They may also be associated
with human or animal fecal contamination. In other words, they are in
the dirt, manure and surface water we walk through everyday.
|
| Coliform
organisms do not normally grow in well water. The water is cold
(5oC) and either alkaline or acidic (pH). Also the earth has the
ability to filter bacteria out as the water moves through the ground.
However once allowed into the well they will survive for a long time. |
E.
coli (Escherichia coli) are bacteria that are found in the
intestines of warm-blooded animals like dogs, cats, birds and humans.
E. coli is a member of the Coliform family of bacteria. Their presence
in the well water may indicate fecal contamination from a human or
animal source. There are numerous strains of these bacteria, some of
which are very harmful.
E. coli 0157:H7 is a rare strain of these E. coli that is very toxic.
Although it could be found in contaminated water, the presence of E.
coli in your water sample does not mean that this toxic strain is
present. |
EST.
Est. means that an estimate number of coliforms and or E. coli
bacteria can only be made. There has been an overgrowth of bacteria on
the filter media, but the lab is still able to see the growth of some
coliforms or E. coli. The numbers are therefore estimated. |
Overgrowth!
O/G means that bacteria other than coliforms have overgrown the growth
medium in the lab. These other bacteria may feed on iron, sulfur or
some other dissolved mineral in the well water or debris that has
fallen into the well. These bacteria may hide the presence of Coliform
bacteria because they grow faster and bigger covering over the smaller
colonies of bacteria on the filter media plate. |
| Do
not drink your water if bacteria are present! |
