Drinking Water

G1826
Published 2023

The presence of pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms (bacterial or parasitic) is a concern when considering the safety of drinking water. Pathogenic organisms can cause flu-like symptoms, intestinal infections, dysentery, hepatitis, typhoid fever, cholera, and other illnesses.

Bacterial contamination of drinking water can be a problem. A water test is the only way to evaluate whether bacteria is present in a water supply. Public water suppliers must test water for bacteria and comply with the EPA standard of zero total coliform per 100 ml of water. Managing and testing a private water supply for bacteria is at the discretion of the well owner and/or water user. Properly locating and constructing a well are key to avoiding bacterial contamination of drinking water. If contamination is present in a private water supply, attempt to identify and eliminate the source of the contamination. A contaminated water supply can be disinfected.

Publication Details

Authors

Sharon O. Skipton

Bruce I. Dvorak

Wayne E Woldt

Sherry Wirth

Subject

Natural Resources

Water Management

Publication Date March 04, 2008
Last Revision Date June 19, 2023
Language English
Formats

HTML / PDF

Series NebGuide