Let us help you with your total coliform and E.coli testing needs. We also do the county-required Heterotrophic Plate Count. This is a tried and true test for monitoring cleanliness of a water system. Heterotrophic bacteria live in water and many of them can be counted after a 48 hour incubation on agar. Pools in our county have to have a count below 200 colony forming units per ml of water. The total coliform and E. coli test indicate the presence or absence of just one viable bacteria in that group per 100 ml sample.
Some mortgage companies are requiring bacteria, nitrate/nitrite, and/or lead testing of well systems. We can help you get all three of these tests for $100. Do it early in your mortgage process so you have the results ready for closing. We will also let you know the action levels that the EPA has set so you can treat for any problems that you might find by comparing your data to the Maximum Contaminant Levels.
Flooding can cause the introduction of bacteria into your well if the wellhead is invaded. If this happens please let us test your water for potential indicator bacteria. These indicator bacteria (total coliforms) are often found with water-borne pathogens. You will want to call a good well-driller and well-service provider like Mr. Ortman if these bacteria are detected. Wells can be chlorinated but you need someone to calculate the volume of your well and use the proper amount of chemical treatment.