Do It Yourself (DIY) Well Water Kit for Coliform Bacteria
At-Home Water Testing Kit for Coliform Bacteria in Wells
Health Departments and EPA guidelines recommend testing your well water at least twice a year for coliform bacteria. Bacteria can contaminate a well without any change in taste or odors to the water.
Now you can analyze for unhealthy bacteria at home utilizing state-of-the-art, low cost test kits. These professional kits make it easy for you to keep an eye on your home well drinking water supplies for contamination through consistent water testing of your water well. Additionally, these kits can also test for lead, ensuring comprehensive water safety. Following the excellent instructions provided with these kits is crucial for accurate testing and peace of mind.
Introduction to Well Water Testing
Well water testing is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and quality of your drinking water. With numerous contaminants potentially present in well water, including bacteria, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds, regular testing is essential to protect your family’s health.
A reliable water test kit can provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your water treatment options. By regularly using a water test kit, you can detect harmful substances early and take appropriate measures to ensure your water is safe to drink.
Whether you are concerned about bacteria, lead, or other contaminants, a comprehensive water testing kit can help you maintain a healthy drinking water supply.
Sources of Bacterial infections of drinking water
Human, as well as rodent waste products can be a principal source of bacterial contamination in well water. These sources of bacterial contamination consist of run-off out of yards, feedlots, pastures, canine runs, and other farm land areas where animal wastes are deposited. Bugs, rats or rodents or wildlife entering the well can also be sources of contaminants.
Some other sources include things like leaking coming from septic tanks as well as sewage treatment services.
Bacteria from these sources can enter home water wells if these wells are: 1) open on the surface, 2) don’t have water-tight casings or caps, 3) do not have a seal of grout in the space (the space between the wall of the well and the outside of the well casing).
Generally, there are three categories of coliform bacteria that need to be tested: total coliform, fecal coliform, and E. coli. The presence of total coliform, by itself, doesn’t imply that the resource is contaminated. Comprehensive testing for various contaminants, including lead, is crucial to ensure water safety and make informed health and water treatment decisions.
Coliform Bacteria
Coliform bacteria live in soil, on plants and flowers, and in surface water. They are also found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and their feces and are known as E. coli.
Several strains of coliform bacteria can easily survive for long periods in soil and water. Insects can also transport bacteria into well casings. Coliform bacteria are the most common contaminants seen in private water systems. Your well should be tested at least once a year for bacteria. Achieving an accurate reading is crucial to ensure the safety and quality of your water.
Whenever total coliform is detected, additional tests are performed to verify the presence or absence of fecal or E. coli bacteria.
Contamination Risk After Well Servicing
Wells that have recently been worked on, such as those that have been drilled or repaired, can become contaminated by the work itself. The construction process can introduce bacteria, sediment, and other contaminants into the well. It is essential to test your well water after any work has been done to ensure that it is safe to drink.
A comprehensive water testing kit can help you identify potential contaminants and provide you with the necessary information to take corrective action. After well maintenance, you can use a water testing kit to detect any new contaminants introduced during the work and take steps to ensure your water remains safe and clean.
Two Main Entry Points for Coliform Bacteria in Wells
One is the original drilling and installation of the pump, and the other is when the well or pump is being repaired. Original drilling processes include the activities related to the original construction of the well, including the original pump installation.
This represents the well's first and usually most severe exposure to bacterial contamination. Because there are so many different ways to introduce bacteria into the system, the original well construction can often be the cause of an ongoing bacterial problem that can go on for many years.
All water used in the drilling process must be chlorinated-treated or, at the very least, free from bacteria or viruses. Thoroughly chlorinate all water used during drilling and before it is introduced into the well.
Do not assume that the water used for drilling obtained from a neighboring well is free from bacteria. Add chlorine of not less than 50 PPM (mg/L) to any water entering the well, no matter where the water came from. Testing for lead and bacteria requires careful attention and concentration to ensure accurate results and reassure users about the safety of their drinking water.
Other Sources of Contamination
Equipment and tools lying on the ground or the bed of a service truck also represent excellent paths for bacterial or viral contamination. This equipment should be kept as dry and clean as possible, covered until needed, and washed down with a chlorinated solution before being placed in the well.
Flood water can contaminate your well water with bacteria, parasites, and other pollutants. Do not drink water from your well if it has been covered by floodwater. If your well is older than 10 years and is less than 50 feet deep, it may be impacted by contamination, even if the actual well head is not covered. Shallow wells and/or older wells with bad well seals can be under the influence of surface water, even if the surface water is not directly covering the top of well. It is crucial to regularly test private wells for various contaminants, including bacteria and nitrates, to ensure safe drinking water.
Before disinfecting your well, check its condition. Make sure there is no exposed or damaged wiring. This is a Shock Hazard! Contact a well professional before the disinfection process if you have any doubts about the integrity or condition of your well. Do not attempt to do this yourself until your well has been inspected.
Choosing the Right DIY Kit
Choosing the right DIY water test kit can be overwhelming, given the numerous options available. When selecting a kit, consider the types of contaminants you want to test for, the ease of use, and the accuracy of the results. Look for kits that include clear instructions, patented technologies, and certified lab testing.
Additionally, consider the cost of the kit, including any shipping costs, and whether it includes a good housekeeping seal. A reliable DIY kit can provide you with a comprehensive picture of your water quality and help you identify potential health risks.
By choosing a high-quality water test kit, you can ensure accurate and reliable results, giving you peace of mind about the safety of your drinking water.
DIY Coliform Test Kits Now Available
The EZ Coliform Cult is a simple, rapid, and effective test for detecting the presence or absence of total coliforms and E. coli in water. If you do detect bacteria, we recommend further testing be done by a state-certified lab.
DIY Kit Components and Usage
A typical DIY water test kit includes test strips, a test vial, and instructions. Dip the test strip into your water sample to use the kit and wait for the results. The kit will usually include a color chart to help you interpret the results. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully to ensure accurate results. Some kits may also include additional components, such as a bacteria test or a lead test.
When choosing a kit, consider the types of tests included and whether they meet your needs. By following the instructions and using the kit correctly, you can better understand your water quality and take steps to protect your family’s health.
Coliform Testing, How It Works
Fill the bottle with untreated well water.
The media will turn blue-green if coliform bacteria are present, or remain clear-yellow if they are absent.
For 24-hour results for coliform bacteria, heat the sample to 95 °C for 24 hours. If kept at 77°F, the test will take 48 hours.
Heating the sample is not required and does not affect the accuracy, only the timing of the test.
The UV light is not necessary for the coliform bacteria test. However, if coliform bacteria is detected, the water should be disinfected (or not consumed at all) regardless of whether E. coli is specifically present.
E. coli Testing is Easy
E. coli growth is confirmed by blue fluorescence under UV light. This tool can confirm the presence of E. coli bacteria: UV Light. (Select the UV Light from the button selection menu.)
Get your Coliform bacteria test kit now to find out if your water is safe. Protect your family from pathogens in your water. Test it, and if it is found to be unfit, have your water treated first.
