How do you kill coliform bacteria?

First, if total coliform bacteria are found in a water sample, it indicates surface contamination (from construction or recent repairs) has reached the water and disease causing organisms may be present. Second, total coliform bacteria can be killed by disinfection, meaning chlorination or boiling of the water.

What can I use to disinfect my well water?

Rinse the inside of the well casing with a garden hose or bucket for 5-10 minutes. Open all faucets inside the home and run the water until you notice a strong odor of chlorine (bleach) at each faucet. Turn off all faucets and allow the solution to remain in the well and plumbing for at least 12 hours.

How do you shock a well for coliform?

Mix 2 quarts bleach in 10 gallons of water; pour into well. Connect a garden hose to a nearby faucet and wash down the inside of the well. Open each faucet and let the water run until a strong chlorine odor is detected, then turn it off and go to the next one.

How to remove coliform bacteria from well water?

If you want to know how to remove coliform bacteria from your well water, then this is the most effective method. There are also other bacteria like iron and sulfur bacteria that are not a health threat but are the cause of that rotten egg smell common in well water. This method will take care of them too.

What’s the best way to get rid of coliform?

This guide give you a clear method for treating your drinking water to remove coliform, E. coli, and other potentially harmful bacteria living in your well water and pipes. The method we suggest and describe below is broadly called “ Shock Chlorination .”

When to use disinfection system on well water?

If no coliform bacteria are present, wait an additional two to three months and have the water tested again. If the bacteria return in either of these subsequent tests, a continuous disinfection treatment system will be necessary.

What kind of bacteria is in well water?

The group also includes non-fecal coliform bacteria. One species of fecal coliform bacteria is Escherichia coli. If E. coli or other fecal coliform bacteria are in well water, the water has come into contact with human or animal waste and could cause disease.