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Fecal Coliform. Sounds a bit unpleasant, doesn’t it. But what is it exactly? Are you sure you want to know? …Okay…Basically, it’s bacteria found in poop, and you don’t want to find any of that in your water. Not because it’s so harmful, necessarily, but because of what else can come with it. Performing a water test will tell you what’s lurking in your water. One of the most basic tests looks for Fecal Coliform.
Fecal Coliform is bacteria that get into the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and it pops up in animal droppings and human bodily waste. It is in the soil too. But don’t get upset! We humans need to have these bacteria to help us digest food. Small portions of this bacteria is usually found in swimming pools and the water in our wells or municipal supply, and a little is not concerning, although really there shouldn’t be any. However, finding it in large amounts indicates that the water has some fecal contamination. You probably already know this contaminant as E. coli and you know that it can cause serious human illness. The presence or absence of these bacteria in a water test determines if the water is properly disinfected.
If coliform is present, then other bacteria, viruses or disease-causing organisms might also be present so finding E.coli where you don’t want it is a warning that a water test needs to be done to see what else is in there. You won’t know by the taste or appearance of the water if coliform bacteria are present, so a regular water test should become habit if your drinking water comes from your own well source. If you do find some, it’s best not to drink it, of course. If you must, boil it for at least one minute. Let it boil even longer if you live at a high altitude.
Drinking contaminated water can cause stomach and intestinal illnesses like nausea or diarrhea. The symptoms are bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Sometimes there is fever, but often there is none. These things are common to many other illnesses, but bloody poop should always be checked. Symptoms of E.coli infection usually occur within 2-4 days but it can take longer, up to 8 days in some cases. Most people recover easily within 5-10 days. In babies, elderly or people with other illnesses, the results can be more serious, even fatal. In children or the elderly, the infection can become ‘hemolytic uremic syndrome’, which causes kidney failure.
Of course, you keep your water well healthy, don’t you? It’s regularly maintained and solidly built, you check the caps and seals often, but still some contaminants can get into your well supply. It comes from flooding, agricultural run-off, or overflowing sewage tanks or septic systems. It can also come from animals that may get into the well. So, do a water test on the water from your well at least once per year and that’s only if nothing has changed. If there have been any environmental changes in the area, such as flooding, perform a water test as soon as possible.
The test is done in two stages. If, after the first test, you find that Fecal Coliform is present in your water, do a second water test to find out what other harmful contaminants are present. A contaminated well needs to be thoroughly cleaned with chlorine to kill the bacteria.
Fecal Coliform is one of the first things a water test will look for. Use a trusted water test service and laboratory to help you. AquaKnow.com is a trusted and affordable water quality testing service. Once you have taken a water test sample, our laboratories will interpret those results for you. Contact us at 877-734-7661 to consult with a representative. We will advise you which tests you will need and ship a test kit to you with clear and easy instructions as to how to collect the water sample and return it to the lab. We are here to answer any questions you may have.

You have hired a company who has located the presence of fresh groundwater on your land, and you have employed the services of a water well driller. Clean, clear water now runs from your taps! But tests on water must be conducted before you can be sure your water is safe for you and your family.

What would the tests show? First of all, you would learn of the naturally-occurring chemicals that are present, which may not be harmful but may require you to add a water treatment system so the water is more suitable for use. These include minerals in which the water has had contact underground, such as calcium, magnesium and iron. As well, gasses and dust from the atmosphere may come in contact with your water supply too. As time goes on, if your water source is located near an industry such as an agricultural livestock operation or chemical plant, your water may become contaminated from the run-off so frequent re-testing is necessary.

The tests on water would indicate if metal from the pipes and fixtures that it runs through is being dissolved and getting into the water supply. Tests would show if the water has a low alkalinity which is more likely to corrode the pipes and allow lead, cadmium, zinc or copper into the water. Fortunately these minerals can be detected through laboratory testing at a reliable company such as AquaKnow. Once identified, the chemicals and minerals can be removed through water treatment, but the water still needs to be tested annually or more often if there are concerns.

With the ever-increasing numbers of consumer products being manufactured in plants and factories all over the world, it’s always important to conduct tests on water on an annual basis. Various countries are recognizing the harmful effects of emissions on the environment and putting restrictions in place, such as the Safe Drinking Water Act which the United States passed in 1974. In Canada, a contaminated water source in the small community of Walkerton, Ontario caused several people to die and many to become sick, resulting in an inquiry that recommended stronger legislation to be enacted to ensure safe water protection throughout the country. Other countries have experienced similar tragedies and continue to have episodes of illness, with up to 80 percent attributed to the ingesting contaminated water. In extreme cases, bottled water may have to be used for cooking, making baby formula and drinking.

Arsenic occurs naturally in the ground and cannot be detected by taste, smell or color. It is only discovered through tests on water. As high levels have been shown that may lead to an increased likelihood of cancer, diabetes and other medical conditions, it is imperative to test. Also radon is a radioactive gas that also occurs naturally and is recognized as a carcinogen.

At AquaKnow, we can run tests on water for individuals, municipalities, golf courses and recreation areas, as well as businesses who wish to ensure their operation is not contaminating the ground water source. Go online at www.aquaknow.com or call us at 877-734-7661 ext. 2 to find out more about our services. By getting one of our testing kits, you can check on the safety of your water and use it with confidence.