Bacteria water testing in CT must be carefully performed to obtain meaningful results. Samples collected in any container other than the sterile containers provided by the tester will not yield meaningful certified results and will not be accepted by the laboratory.
Certain handling provisions apply to water samples taken which is why you should always hire a professional to be certain your test results are accurate and not compromised.
Coliform bacteria are microscopic organisms that originate in the intestinal tract of warmblooded animals and are also present in soil and vegetation throughout Connecticut. Total coliform bacteria are generally harmless; however, their presence in drinking water indicates the possibility that disease causing bacteria, viruses or parasites (pathogens) are also present in the water.
The presence of E. coli in water is a strong indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination. Sewage may contain many types of disease-causing organisms.
Bacterial pollution in CT can result from runoff from woodlands, pastures, septic tanks and sewage plants, and animals. Most coliform bacteria enter natural streams by direct deposits of waste in the water and runoff where there are high concentrations of animals or humans. Pets contribute greatly to this population.
Coliform bacteria indicates that water may be contaminated with sewage or similar wastes. Diseases which may be present in water that tests positive for coliform bacteria include typhoid fever, cholera, hepatitis, dysentery, diarrhea, giardiasis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome.
In some people, particularly children under 5 years of age and the elderly, the infection E. coli causes can also cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, in which the red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail. About 2%-7% of infections lead to this complication. In the United States, hemolytic uremic syndrome is the principal cause of acute kidney failure in children, and most cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome are caused by E. coli.
If you have a private CT well you should test your well water at least once a year for bacteria. Also test your water if you have a new well or pump installed, or if there are any environmental changes.
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