Bacteria in water cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled. The presence of harmful bacteria can indicate contamination that poses a direct health risk. C and J Water provides professional bacteria testing to determine whether your water is safe to drink and use.
Bacteria testing is especially important for private well owners, where water quality is not regulated.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a proven, chemical-free method for disinfecting water. It works by penetrating microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa and disrupting their DNA, which prevents them from reproducing and causing infection.
UV systems treat water instantly as it flows through a chamber containing a specialized UV lamp. They do not change the taste, odor, or chemistry of the water, and they leave no residual byproducts. When properly sized and maintained, UV disinfection is highly effective against common waterborne bacteria such as *E. coli*, *Salmonella*, and *Legionella*.
UV treatment is often used alongside filtration systems, which remove sediment and particles that could block the light and reduce effectiveness, creating a complete barrier against microbial contamination.
— Surface water intrusion
— Septic system influence
— Flooding or heavy rainfall
— Cracked well casings or caps
— Improper well construction or aging wells
— Contamination can occur suddenly, even if water quality has been stable for years.
Bacteria testing is recommended if you:
*Use a private well
*Recently experienced flooding or heavy rain
*Had well service, plumbing work, or pump replacement
*Notice changes in taste, odor, or clarity
*Have unexplained gastrointestinal illness
*Are you buying or selling a property
*Have not tested within the last 12 months—annual testing is recommended for private wells.
C and J Water testing commonly includes:
*Total Coliform bacteria
*E. coli (Escherichia coli)
*Fecal coliform indicators
These organisms are used as indicators of sanitary integrity and potential health risk.
What Bacteria Test Results Mean
*No coliform detected: Water is considered bacteriologically safe at the time of testing
*Total coliform present: Indicates possible pathway for contamination
*E. coli present: Indicates fecal contamination and a high health risk
What Happens If Bacteria Is Found?
If bacteria are detected, C and J Water can:
Identify likely sources of contamination
Recommend corrective actions such as well disinfection or repair
Install UV disinfection systems
Design long-term treatment solutions when needed
Treatment recommendations are based on test results and well conditions.
Bacteria testing checks drinking water for microorganisms that indicate contamination, such as total coliforms and E. coli. These bacteria are used to assess whether water is safe to drink.
Yes. Bacteria are invisible to the naked eye and do not affect clarity, taste, or odor. Clear water can still be unsafe.
Bacteria testing is most important for private wells, but it may also be appropriate for city water after plumbing work, water main breaks, flooding, or service disruptions.
Private wells should be tested at least once per year, and anytime there is flooding, well service, or a change in water quality.
Total coliform indicate a potential contamination pathway. It does not always indicate that the water is dangerous, but it does require follow-up testing or corrective action.
E. coli indicates fecal contamination and a high risk to health. Water should not be consumed until the issue is corrected and retesting confirms the results are safe.
Common causes include surface water intrusion, failing well caps or casings, nearby septic systems, flooding, and improper well construction.
Most DIY kits are prone to false results due to improper sampling or handling. Professional testing ensures sterile collection and accurate analysis.
Immediate steps may include avoiding consumption, disinfecting the well, repairing structural issues, or installing a treatment system such as UV disinfection. Actions depend on test results.
Boiling can temporarily kill bacteria, but it does not address the source of contamination. It is a short-term measure, not a solution.
Sample collection is completed during a single visit. Results are typically available within a few days due to laboratory incubation requirements.
No. C and J Water follows a testing-first approach. Treatment is recommended only when results and conditions justify it.
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