Coliform Bacteria in Drinking Water

Coliform bacteria are a type of bacteria that can be present in untreated well water. Coliform bacteria can also come from carbon fiber filters so it is important to change your carbon water filters as recommended by the manufacturer. Some carbon water filters have KDF technology - a patented copper-zinc combination that inhibits the growth of bacteria in the filter.

Coliform Bacteria in Drinking Water: "Coliform bacteria live in soil or vegetation and in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. Coliforms enter water supplies from the direct disposal of waste into streams or lakes, or from runoff from wooded areas, pastures, feedlots, septic tanks, and sewage plants into streams or groundwater. In addition, coliforms can enter an individual house via backflow of water from a contaminated source, carbon filters, or leaking well caps that allow dirt and dead organisms to fall into the water (2).

Coliforms are not a single type of bacteria, but a grouping of bacteria that includes many strains, such as E. coli. They are ubiquitous in nature, and many types are harmless. Therefore, it is not definitive that coliform bacteria will cause sickness. Many variables such as the specific type of bacteria present, and your own immune system's effectiveness will determine if you will get sick. In fact, many people become immune to bacteria that is present in their own water (2). Guests on the other hand, may not have developed an immunity to the water and may experience some gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea or gastroenteritis (2).

Total coliforms are the standard by which microbial contamination is measured. Coliforms will be one of the first bacteria present in the water should contamination occur, and they will be in much larger quantities than some pathogenic microbes that may be present. Therefore, coliforms act as indicators of possible contamination. The presence of coliform bacteria does not necessarily mean that pathogenic microbes are also present. However, if large coliform quantities are detected, the presence of other microbes should be checked for. If you are a private water consumer and concerned about your water supply, you can obtain more information about protecting your private water supply from the EPA. Generally, testing is done once a year. However it may also be wise to test the water for the following reasons:

A new well or pump has been installed
An old well or pipe has been repaired or replaced
Family or guests are have reoccurring gastrointestinal distress
An infant is living in the home
A new home is being purchased, and the quality of water needs to be determined
The effectiveness of a water treatment system needs to be tested
The water has had a change in taste, color or odor (2) "

Special Savings
AQ-4200 Combo Pack Deluxe Drinking Water and Shower Water Filtration Systems. The right combination for a healthy lifestyle. Our 2 most popular products at a discount price! Drink & Shower with clean healthy water! Order now & get FREE Expedited shipping!
Buy Now For Only $189.90!


Receive a copy of our free ebook "The Truth About Drinking Water Safety in America".

Information provided by Home Water Filters and Drinking Water Safety. Compare faucet mounted water filters, pitcher water filters, shower filters, refrigerator water filters, under counter water filters, fluoride water filters, or whole home water filtration systems. Learn more about carbon filters and reverse osmosis.

Drinking Water Safety