Table of Contents
E. coli + Total coliform in Commercial spas, swimming pools & drinking water
A technical paper by Olympian Water Testing specialists
E. coli + Coliform in spas, pools & drinking water
Total coliform is naturally present in the plants and soils, its microbes are innocuous and not pathogenic [1]. But when you see total coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in water, it means contamination. E coli bacteria is a total coliform bacteria, most of its strains are harmless but some are harmful [1, 2]. E coli mostly reside in animal and human guts. And so if the test results of water testing report that there are coliform bacteria in the water, then it means there is faecal contamination.
The information you will find in this paper will explain what E.coli and total coliform are, the health impact and the mitigation/prevention of them.
How Coliform and E. coli get into the water
In the rainy season, surface runoff from dog poop and animal faeces can pollute drinking water. : Coccidia can enter wells from surface or underground water, leaks, substandard construction, and ruptured or broken well parts. coliform can show you whether disease-causing bacteria such as E are in your well water. E. Coli is a piss disease that will make you sick [3]. The floods can wash away laterals, septic tanks, mounds or lagoons and clog drinking water wells. Floods that engulf well heads will be more likely to cause bacteria to contaminate the water. Coliform bacteria can also get into the water from dead animals in wells and tanks. Those snow melts can drain E.coli into creeks, lakes and rivers. They can even irrigate aquifers and other groundwater [4]. E.coli sucks in water when faecal matter of people or animals upstream gets into drinking water. — Some municipal sewer lines might be clogged or burst causing overflow, sewage that infects the clean water pipes and spills into the underground water supply or into lakes and rivers [4].
Grocery or home-cooked food that has been washed in E.coli-contaminated water can transmit infection [5]. If, for instance, bacteria are present in the water that is used to clean cups, fruits and plates, then the people who eat and drink those objects will be infected if the E. coli that’s used is pathogenic. So the E coli is pathogens in the water.
How does E. coli enter the human body?
E coli comes into the body via infected water: you could swallow them while you’re in the pool or drinking contaminated water. The infection might be transmitted if people wash dishes and vegetables, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, with the water infected.
A family member with the infection could pass the infection to others by touching food with dirty hands. That might happen if someone goes to the toilet without washing their hands before eating or smelling cooked or raw food. Another experiment that measured the total coliform in water found total coliforms in all water samples and E. coli in 78% of all water samples and faulty septic systems and wildlife were major culprits [6].
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are some people who are more susceptible to E coli infection than others [5], including:
Old adults (≥65)
Children aged < 5
Immunocompromised people, including pregnant women
People travelling to endemic countries
Health Effects of E. coli and Total Coliform on Human Health
The most widespread pathogenic E.coli strain is called the Shiga-toxin producing E.coli O157: H7 [7]. But the infection symptoms are different for each person, and there are different symptoms.
Symptoms of E. coli infection
Bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and shivering or chills, hunger loss, abdominal pain. Bloody diarrhoea and vomiting dehydrate. The infection is O157: H7 can be asymptomatic. Yet they can cause haemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura [8].
What do I do if my family member or I suffer from these symptoms?
An E coli infection generally goes away in a few days. But don’t neglect the following home remedies lest it gets worse. Get plenty of clean water to hydrate yourself, don’t eat any oily foods like fries and milk, add electrolytes to your food (you can use water infused with a bit of sugar and salt) to replace electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhoea, don’t eat heavily processed foods, and only consume low-fiber foods like eggs and rice.
So do you have to fret?
No you should, if the infection doesn’t clear up within 3-4 days. You also need to consider that E.coli is worse for younger children and elderly individuals. This group is immunocompromised and more delicate. They should be kept on your toes and if they present you should see a doctor: If they have been in diarrhea for 5+ days, Vomiting for 12+ hours, Permanent bloody diarrhoea, frequent abdominal cramps, severe dehydration, Poor or no appetite. This is when you want professional help, you want to see your doctor. The more serious the condition, the more a person infected with it will suffer severe dehydration, confusion, anemia, kidney failure or Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), and death at the extreme.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
The E coli infection usually starts around one week after drinking tainted water. HUS is the most fatal symptom of an E. coli infection, and between 5-10% of those infected with Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli will get hemolytic syndrome. The HUS is defined by the triple symptoms of thrombotic microangiopathy, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney damage [9]. Inflammation of blood vessels cause a number of organ damage like kidney disease and symptoms also depends on system organs affected. HUS symptoms are frequent urination, fatigue, anemia, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, gastric cramps, fever, chills and headache [10]. Persons might feel fatigued, weak, fainting, bruising and pale as the infection progresses [9]. The infection is fatal because it has a huge effect on the kidneys as renal vascular damage can cause renal failure.
How do you know if the drinking water has E. coli?
If you are in a municipal area, you might have seen the notice that says boil or disinfect your water. The local government officials usually publish these notices when they realise a sewer or water pipe has been ruptured.
When a new flood has hit the area, police sometimes anticipate that wells and groundwater pipes will be filled with unfit water. But you also have to remember that your drinking water needs to be tested frequently. Even your pool water is toxic, because while you’re swimming water seeps into your nose and mouth and pets sometimes go into the pool so there’s always the risk of it containing animal waste.
Water that has an E. coil does not matter. It doesn’t smell or change colour except at a high concentration. You’d better take a professional water testing lab technician to test it for you, and give you an authoritative water report.
Your loved one will end up with HUS, which can cost you big bucks.
How do you know if well water is contaminated with E. coli?
A water test can show you when your well is dirty. To do this you have to first pour water into a clean glass. If you find some weird tiny particles or water is dirty, then it may have some contaminants in it. There are no visible E coli bacteria, but if you can detect some debris moving in the water, then the water is contaminated and you should test it.
Water Treatment Systems for E. coli and Total Coliform Removal From Water SourceWater Treatment Systems For E. coli and Total Coliform from WaterSourceWater Treatment SolutionsAtwater Technologies.
Boiling water
The "boil water warning" gets the bulk of the population boiling water. But boil the water, and it will take more time to kill all the germs. When you boil the water, you’ll have to keep checking the water for bacteria. A water test will tell you if the water is still contaminated.
Water Filters
Water filtering is important to avoid contamination, disease and toxins. A good filter filtered out the junks and keeps water clean and excellent. Water filters also destroy all living life that could make you sick [11].
How to identify a quality water filter?
Coliform Bacteria in Water: Your Life at Risk Coliform Bacteria In Water Read More.
The water filters are a physical and chemical barrier to all contaminant materials in water and it eliminates almost all of the contaminants from water [1, 12].
Different filters separate out different pollutants and you’ll want to include different chemicals to kill bacteria. If you want great filtering performance, try regenerating or switching filters. Water filters that are most used are charcoal and carbon based [12]. These filter out chlorine and bacteria like total coliform and E.coli from your water.
For the right filtration system for you, consult experts and run tests on your water at home or business.
Chlorination system
Chlorine kills all the bacteria in the water. Therefore, it is the best and easiest way to remove E. coli from your swimming pool or drinking water [13]. Studies have shown that chlorine reduces the microbial count in water [14]. Chlorine-based disinfectants were found to be more effective in removing bacteria than electrochemical solutions [15]. Note that chlorine does not guarantee the complete removal of bacteria from water. Therefore, boiling water in the household before consumption is recommended to reduce water-related infection risks [14].
How do you use a pool shock to disinfect pool water?
A pool shock helps you to spread the chlorine in the water. If you have a good pump, you can install the pool shock at the well water system. This means that when the water gets into the well, it will be mixed with chlorine and hence disinfected. You can use the pool shock by soaking it in the water. If you use this system, ensure that you operate the pump for more than five minutes to ensure that all the water is treated.
Bleach
To bleach your water well, you need the following: Toilet detergent/bowl cleaner, cleaner bleach, water pump and hose, and water filter. Put the chlorine and the toilet bleach in the well, and remove the water filter since disinfecting the well will be unnecessary. Mix it well with the hose and pump it out. Leave the well for two days before doing a water test. If the water analysis shows that the well still has E. coli, you should seek alternative water sources.
Ultraviolet Water Purifiers
These purifiers use a lamp that produces UV light in your water supply. UV light kills all viruses, protozoa, fungi, and bacteria in the water [16]. However, UV light is ineffective against Giardia and Cryptosporidium because of thick cell walls [16]. The purifier has been designed as a cylinder that you attach to your main water supply pipes or well. The cylinder has an inbuilt UV lamp that emits radiation which kills microbes and the microbes’ DNA. However, the lamp needs electricity to work.
Note that UV cannot remove bad odors and taste in water. You need to use other water filtration systems to remove other chemicals and living organisms that may cause bad odors and taste.
Portable UV systems
Portable UV systems are small and can be carried in your backpack or small bag. You can easily install them at your home to purify some amounts of water. You only need to place it in the water bucket for a set amount of time when purifying the water.
Reverse Osmosis
The best E. coli filters use reverse osmosis, but the system relies on your water pressure. When water flows through the semi-permeable membrane, all the bacteria, chemicals, and viruses are removed [17]. Standard reverse osmosis filtration machine has at least three filters, while others have up to five. So, you need to pick one that will suit your needs. Reverse osmosis has three stages. The first stage filters the sediments, the second stage has a carbon filter which removes chemicals, for example, copper, arsenic, and chlorine, while the third stage has a membrane that removes viruses and bacteria [17, 18].
How long will it take to make my well water E. coli-free?
The time that you need to make your water E.coli free depends on the following:
Long rainy season and floods
If the floods are persistent, it will take longer for the well heads to be uncovered. If the rainy season is short, it is easy to disinfect the well and get clean and safe water.
The level of bacteria
The amount of E. coli in your water depends on the bacteria source. If a municipal sewer system leaks, more bacteria will be in the water. However, you should continuously disinfect your water well for two weeks or more as you do regular water testing analysis.
What extra tips should I take to avoid an E. coli infection?
It is better to take extra precautions after your area has been flooded or has received an E. coli alert by considering the following safety tips:
- Wash your hands well before eating, after visiting the toilet
- Wash your hands well
- Avoid swimming in public places
- Handle poultry with care
- Refrigerate your food
- Wash all fruits and vegetables with clean and purified water before eating
FAQ
How do total coliform and E. coli get into the water?
Total coliform bacteria are present in soils and vegetation. E. coli is present in animal and human guts [4]. When it rains, the bacteria are washed from animal waste and human fecal matter, contaminating water sources, including underground water.
What are the effects of E. coli infections?
You will experience diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration when you get infections. If persistent, it can cause Hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause thrombotic microangiopathy, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury [9].
How do I know that my water has E. coli?
You should put the water in a clear glass and examine it. It may be contaminated if it has too much suspended matter or debris. It is better to get your water tested to confirm the presence of bacteria.
How do I purify E. coli-contaminated water?
You can boil water, use chlorine, and bleach to disinfect the water. Other methods include reverse osmosis technologies, filtration techniques, and UV water purifiers.
Consider Testing
Are you experiencing serious floods in your area? Or do you have a commercial pool or spa?
You need to know that it is more likely for your water to get total coliform and bacteria contamination.
References
- NY Department of Health: Coliform Bacteria in Drinking Water Supplies.
- EPA: Revised Total Coliform Rule And Total Coliform Rule.
- Oregon Health: Coliform bacteria in well water: What you should know. Oregon State.
- EPA Archives: Fecal Coliform and E. coli.
- CDC Food Safety: E. coli and Food Safety.
- An, Y.-J., Breindenbach, G.P.: Monitoring E. coli and total coliforms in natural spring water as related to recreational mountain areas. Environ Monit Assess. 102, 131–137 (2005).
- Soller, J., Embrey, M., Tuhela, L., Ichida, A., Rosen, J.: Risk-based evaluation of Escherichia coli monitoring data from undisinfected drinking water. Journal of Environmental Management. 91, 2329–2335 (2010).
- Su, C.: Escherichia coli O157: H7 Infection in Humans. Ann Intern Med. 123, 698 (1995).
- Canpolat, N.: Hemolytic uremic syndrome. Turk Pediatri Ars. 50, 73–82 (2015).
- NY Department of Health: Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS),
- IRON FILTER WATER SYSTEMS | AIR INJECTION IRON REMOVAL WATER SYSTEMS,
- ATS: Coliform in Drinking Water,
- Manitoba Health: How to Disinfect a Well: Full Chlorination Method,
- Karikari, A.Y., Ampofo, J.A.: Chlorine treatment effectiveness and physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics of treated water supplies in distribution networks of Accra-Tema Metropolis, Ghana. Appl Water Sci. 3, 535–543 (2013).
- Clayton, G.E., Thorn, R.M.S., Reynolds, D.M.: The efficacy of chlorine-based disinfectants against planktonic and biofilm bacteria for decentralised point-of-use drinking water. npj Clean Water. 4, 48 (2021).
- Western Austrlia Deprtment of Health: Ultraviolet disinfection of drinking water,
- Forbes Home: How Much Does A Reverse Osmosis System Cost. (2022).
- Çimen, A.: Removal of chromium from wastewater by reverse osmosis. Russ. J. Phys. Chem. 89, 1238–1243 (2015).
Share this research on social media
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
See all Research on Phosphorus