35. Test Your Water For Coliform Bacteria And Nitrate |
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The two most common water contaminants are coliform bacteria and
nitrate. Municipal water systems regularly test for these contaminants,
but if you have a private well, it’s up to you to make sure
your water is tested.
The Illinois Department of Public Health charges a nominal fee
to test for coliform bacteria and nitrate. This fee varies among
local health departments. Annual testing for coliform bacteria and
nitrate is a good idea, especially after a heavy spring or summer
rainstorm and whenever your well is flooded. You should also disinfect
the well and test the water any time you open the well.
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Common
sources of bacteria are waste, septic systems, and surface water that
gets into the well. Testing for coliform bacteria is important because
it is an “indicator organism,” which means that its presence
may indicate the existence of other harmful bacteria in your water
supply. Using an indicator organism is necessary because testing for
all harmful bacteria would be difficult and expensive. |
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If
your water test shows the presence of coliform bacteria, your water
has some degree of contamination. The state cannot require someone
with a private water supply to correct the condition, but it will
recommend that you disinfect your water system and then submit another
sample for analysis. The local department of public health, a licensed
well driller, or a pump repairperson can further explain the correct
techniques for disinfecting a well. Use bottled water until you are
able to bring bacteria levels under control. |
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Common
sources of nitrate in groundwater are fertilizers, septic systems,
livestock waste, and naturally occurring nitrate in the soil. |
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A
water-testing lab will describe nitrate concentrations in one of two
ways. The lab may describe the nitrate concentration as the amount
of actual “nitrate” or as the amount of “ nitrate-nitrogen.”
The maximum contaminant level for nitrate in a public water supply
is 44 parts per million (ppm), which is the equivalent of a nitrate-nitrogen
concentration of 10 ppm. |
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If
unacceptable nitrate levels are found in your water, do not boil the
water. Boiling water does not eliminate nitrate. In fact, it causes
some of the water to evaporate, which increases the concentration
of nitrate in the remaining water. |
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Use
bottled water until you can treat the well water, eliminate the pollution
source, or make repairs (if there is a problem with well construction). |
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