Does boiling water kill coliform bacteria?

Yes. Bring water to a full rolling boil for one minute, then let it cool before use. Boiling kills coliform bacteria in that water; it does not disinfect the well or plumbing. Follow your utility’s or health department’s instructions while the contamination is being addressed.

Do ordinary water filters remove bacteria?

Most pitcher and refrigerator filters do not remove bacteria. They commonly improve taste or reduce certain chemicals, but they should not be relied on to disinfect contaminated water. Bacteria require treatment specifically designed to remove or inactivate them.

Are iron bacteria the same as coliform bacteria?

No. Iron bacteria are different organisms that can produce rusty slime and buildup in wells and plumbing. That slime does not tell you whether coliform bacteria are present; coliform testing is still needed. Learn more about iron and related water problems.

Coliform Bacteria in Water: Testing and Removal

Coliform bacteria can enter drinking water through runoff carrying soil or animal waste, or through sewage from a failing septic system. Finding these bacteria can signal that disease-causing germs may also have entered the supply.

Besco Water Treatment helps Michigan homeowners test for bacteria and disinfect household water with UV treatment. Our team explains your results and helps you understand whether water treatment, well repairs, or further investigation is needed.

Take the first steps towards addressing coliform bacteria in your water by scheduling a water test today.

What Are Coliform Bacteria in Drinking Water?

Coliform bacteria are microscopic organisms found in soil, plants, surface water, and the intestines of people and animals. Most are harmless. They are useful in water testing because they can enter drinking water through the same routes as germs that cause illness.

“Total coliform” refers to this broad group of bacteria. E. coli is one type within the group, and finding it in drinking water indicates contamination from human or animal waste. Finding total coliform bacteria alone does not establish that human or animal waste is contaminating your water.

Clean filtered well water being poured into a glass

How Do Coliform Bacteria Get Into Your Water?

Rain or melting snow can carry bacteria from soil, animal waste, or poorly maintained septic systems toward a private well. A broken well cap or damaged casing (the outer pipe that lines the well) can allow contaminated water inside.

Homes with municipal water can also experience bacterial contamination. Germs can enter water pipes when a pipe breaks or repairs disrupt the water supply.

When Should You Test for Coliform Bacteria?

You cannot reliably detect coliform bacteria by looking at, smelling, or tasting your water. Water that seems normal can still contain bacteria.

Private-well owners should test for coliform bacteria at least once a year. Schedule additional testing when:

Floodwater or runoff reaches the area around your well.
Your well cap or casing is damaged, or the well has recently been repaired.
Your water suddenly changes in taste, smell, or color.
Your health department reports contamination in nearby wells.

These events are reasons to test even if your previous results showed no bacteria.

Can Bacteria in Drinking Water Cause Health Problems?

Yes. Drinking water containing disease-causing bacteria, including certain strains of E. coli, can cause:

Diarrhea, which may be bloody
Stomach cramps
Vomiting
Fever
Dehydration from losing fluids through vomiting or diarrhea

Some E. coli infections can also cause kidney damage. Contact a healthcare professional if you have bloody diarrhea, signs of dehydration, or persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

How Besco Tests Water for Bacteria

Besco’s water testing services for bacteria take you from sample collection to an explanation of your results.

Here is what to expect:

1. We collect a water sample.

A Besco technician visits your home and collects water in a sterile sample container, following the laboratory’s collection instructions.
2. The laboratory checks for bacteria.

Coliform analysis checks for total coliform bacteria and determines whether E. coli is present.
3. We explain the findings.

Our team reviews the report with you and discusses treatment options and any need for a well inspection or health department guidance.

What Should You Do if Your Water Tests Positive?

According to recommendations from the state of Michigan, if your private-well water tests positive for total coliform bacteria or E. coli, contact your local health department. Use bottled water or another safe supply for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and preparing infant formula while the problem is being addressed.

After treatment or repairs, have the water tested again before returning to normal drinking-water use. For municipal water, notify your utility and follow its instructions. Continue following any drinking-water advisory even if your home already has a filter or treatment system.

How to Remove Coliform Bacteria From Drinking Water

Treatment may involve disinfecting water as it enters your home, disinfecting a contaminated well and plumbing, or both.

UV Water Treatment

Besco installs UV water treatment systems that expose flowing water to ultraviolet light. The light inactivates bacteria, including coliform bacteria and E. coli, so they cannot reproduce. A whole-home unit treats the incoming supply before it reaches your faucets.

Sediment can shield bacteria from UV light, so a sediment filter may be installed before the UV unit. Water with high iron or hardness may also need treatment first. Besco selects the equipment and system size based on your water conditions and household water use.
Well and Plumbing Disinfection

A contaminated well may need professional disinfection, often called shock chlorination. This process uses chlorine to treat bacteria inside the well and connected plumbing.

A registered well contractor should inspect the well and repair defects, such as a broken cap or damaged casing, before disinfection. Otherwise, contaminated water may keep entering after treatment. Installing UV equipment does not repair those openings or disinfect bacteria already living inside the well. Read Michigan’s well-disinfection guidance to learn more.

Bacteria in Water FAQs

Does boiling water kill coliform bacteria?

Yes. Bring water to a full rolling boil for one minute, then let it cool before use. Boiling kills coliform bacteria in that water; it does not disinfect the well or plumbing. Follow your utility’s or health department’s instructions while the contamination is being addressed.
Do ordinary water filters remove bacteria?

Most pitcher and refrigerator filters do not remove bacteria. They commonly improve taste or reduce certain chemicals, but they should not be relied on to disinfect contaminated water. Bacteria require treatment specifically designed to remove or inactivate them.
Are iron bacteria the same as coliform bacteria?

No. Iron bacteria are different organisms that can produce rusty slime and buildup in wells and plumbing. That slime does not tell you whether coliform bacteria are present; coliform testing is still needed. Learn more about iron and related water problems.

Schedule Bacteria Testing With Besco

Besco provides water testing and UV treatment for homeowners in Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Mason, Muskegon, and surrounding Michigan communities. We collect samples, explain laboratory results, and install and service UV systems for household water.

Contact Besco Water Treatment to schedule bacteria testing or discuss an existing result. For help with staining, odors, or other concerns, explore our guide to common water problems.