Links to Useful Water Information

Private Water System Rules

Forms

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List of Private Water System Contractors In Ohio

List of Private Water System Contractors Outside Ohio

Chlorination Instructions

Application for Water Sample

What is Coliform Bacteria?
It is extremely important to have your water tested annually for bacteria.
Coliform bacteria originate as organism in soil or vegetation and in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals (fecal coli). This group of bacteria has long been the preferred indicator of the contamination of water and possible presence of intestinal parasites and pathogens. The many sources of bacterial pollution include runoff from woodlands, pastures, feedlots, septic tanks and from animal and wildfowl. The most likely sources are where the water is used. The spigot and sink, or unclean containers. A really common source is backflow from a contaminated source. It is important to keep the plumbing system clean to maintain a sanitary water supply. Each time work is done on the plumbing or pump, the entire water system should be disinfected with chlorine. By simply pulling the pump out of the well and setting it on the grass is enough to contaminate the well with bacteria. Most coliform bacteria are harmless residents of the soil and will not make people sick. Some strains of E. coli, the most common fecal coliform bacterium may be pathogens and should be taken seriously. If you have unsafe levels of coliform bacteria you should obtain an alternative source of drinking water and cooking water until the well has been properly chlorinated and a safe sample taken. Instructions on how to properly chlorinate are linked above. If you have E. coli in your well, “ do not use the water for any consumption purposes and an inspection should be done of your water system by a sanitarian at the Health Department to determine if there are visible indicators of surface contamination. Contact us at (330) 424-0272.