Unsatisfactory Analysis
Table 2: Bacteriological Results
Results | Actions | Remarks |
---|---|---|
No total coliform bacteria. No E. coli bacteria. Results reported as A, A. |
None. |
Water meets the standards for drinking water. |
Positive coliform. |
Either chlorinate or flush the water system 1-2 days and make arrangements for the collection of a re-sample. In most situations you will need to chlorinate. |
See following notes: 1,2,3,4. |
Positive coliform. Positive E. coli bacteria. Results reported as P, P. |
Chlorinate the water well and distribution system, make arrangements for the collection of a resample after the chlorine has dissipated from the water well. |
See following notes: 2,3,4,5. |
Table 3: Nitrate/Nitrite Results
Results | Actions | Remarks |
---|---|---|
Nitrate is less than or equal to 10 mg/L Nitrite is less than or equal to 1 mg/L |
None |
Level meets the standards of drinking water. |
Nitrate is greater than 10 mg/L |
Flush the water system 1-2 days and make arrangements for the collection of a re-sample. |
See following notes: 2(b) If after treatment, satisfactory nitrate levels cannot be obtained, it may be necessary to construct a new water well and abandon the existing old well. |
1) If you obtain unsatisfactory or invalid sample results, you may choose to flush or chlorinate the water well and distribution system. After the water well has been chlorinated the chlorine must be flushed from the water well prior to the collection of a re-sample.
2) If any of the following circumstances have occurred, a satisfactory sample of the water must be obtained prior to final approval of the water well.
a) The presence of coliform bacteria is confirmed in a water sample. Coliform bacteria may be an indicator that more harmful organisms are present. When coliform bacteria are present the water does not meet the standards for drinking water and should not be consumed.
b) When the nitrate is >10 mg/L and/or the nitrite is >1mg/L the water does not meet the standards for drinking water and should not be consumed by pregnant women and infants less than 6 months of age.
3) When the water distribution system is flushed, the LCHD recommends that you run the water for several hours. Running the water should not damage the pump, but it is best to consult your water well contractor if you have concerns.
4) Remember, if your residence is served by a septic system, the distribution system should be flushed from an outside spigot. Attach a garden hose and run the water away from your septic system.
5) If E. coli bacteria are confirmed to be present in your water supply, you should chlorinate the well and plumbing system immediately. E. coli bacteria are found in the intestines of animals and man and increase the likelihood that disease-causing organisms are present in the water.