Drinking Water

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.