Total Coliforms

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#1

Originally Posted By: smcintire
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I did a test for E. coli and total Coliforms on a well. The state certified lab that I use only shows if present or not. This has always worked fine. I had a customer call back and tell me that the person treating the well wanted to retest the water so he could know what level the coliform was at before treating( total count). My question is, if the reults came back positive for Coliforms, why does it matter what the count is? Is there any level of coliforms that is acceptable? It is my undersatnding that all you need to know for treatment is that coliforms are present. I want to make sure that this client is not getting cheated out of $75.00 for a test that is not needed.

#2

Originally Posted By: bemelander
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Steve,


The lab I use reports Coliform in parts per 100ml. I have only had one test come back showing 9. The fix was to chlorinate the well. The EPA suggested maximum level is 0. So if your lab is showing present or not that should be enough.


Bill

--
Anchor Home Inspections

bill@anchorinspections.com

#3

Originally Posted By: smcintire
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Bill, thanks for the response. I was hoping I would get a few more opinions?

#4

Originally Posted By: dplummer
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Steve,I agree with Bill. The only thing I could think of is that if the count was 80 parts as opposed to say 9 the chlorination would be a stronger mixture to correct the problem. Some people don’t like to over do it. Doug

#5

Originally Posted By: jhagarty
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The tolerable level by EPA mandate is 0.1 %


A Positive test result is a level that exceeds that standard. Any level above that is still Unacceptable. Report it as a "Fail" with a recommendation to further evaluate and condition the well for Coliform. Personally, I recommend the installation of a UV Bacterial Guard being installed.

--
Joseph Hagarty

HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com

Phone: 610-399-9864
Fax : 610-399-9865

HouseMaster. Home inspections. Done right.

#6

Originally Posted By: smcintire
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Thanks for the replies, I have talked to many people and researched this since my first post. I have come to the conclusion this company just wanted to make an extra 75.00. If the test comes back with Coliforms present you treat it plain and simple.

#7

Originally Posted By: rfeiler
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I agree. The standard for total coliform is zero measured in cfu or colony forming units. As a neutral third party you should do the retest (and pick up an extra $75 plus trip charge). After all the having the guy who installs the system do the testing is like the fox watching the hen house,