Water testing
Testing for bacteria
Bacteria testing looks for total coliform and E. coli — indicator organisms that show whether surface contamination can reach the water. It's the basic annual check for every private well.
When it's called for
- Annually on any private well — the standard recommendation from state health programs
- After flooding, damage, nearby work, or any repair to the well
- When slimy (not powdery) deposits appear in tanks and toilets — one possible sign of bacterial iron
- On city water, essentially never on your own initiative — the utility monitors this continuously
How it works
An accredited lab (or a state/county health program, often cheaper) provides a sterile bottle and strict collection instructions. Results report presence or absence of total coliform and E. coli — presence/absence is the answer, not a level.
A positive result calls for your county or state health guidance first — retesting, well inspection and disinfection of the cause. Equipment like UV is a barrier after that, never instead of it.