Coliform bacteria are largely harmless, but their presence—especially E. coli—often indicates fecal contamination in food or water. If harmful bacteria are present, symptoms typically include severe abdominal cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and low-grade fever, usually starting within 1 to 10 days of exposure.
About half of people with the infection will have bloody diarrhoea. People usually notice symptoms 3 to 4 days after they have been infected. But symptoms can start any time between 1 and 14 days afterwards. These symptoms can last up to 2 weeks.
Most coliform bacteria are harmless. However, their presence in drinking water signals that the water supply may be contaminated with dangerous pathogens. Ingesting these harmful strains can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, including diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and fatigue.
Most coliform bacteria do not cause disease. However, some rare strains of E. coli, particularly the strain 0157:H7, can cause serious illness.
No, you should not drink your well water if it tests positive for coliform bacteria.
Yes, healthy adults can generally shower in water contaminated with coliform bacteria as long as they do not swallow the water. However, there are a few important exceptions and strict precautions you should take:
Shock chlorination (shocking) temporarily kills coliform in a well, but it does not cure the underlying cause. If the bacteria are coming from a failing septic system or a structural defect, the coliform will return.
Boiling, chlorination, ultraviolet light, microfiltration, and distillation are treatment options for removing the bacteria. Bottled water is an alternative for drinking and cooking until the problem can be corrected.
About Coliform Bacteria
Coliform bacteria are organisms present in the environment and in the feces of all warm-blooded animals and humans. Coliform bacteria will not likely cause illness.
Yes, there are filters specifically designed to remove coliform bacteria from water — starting with Culligan's reverse osmosis or whole house water filtration systems.
If your well water tests positive for coliform, stop drinking it immediately. Take these steps:
Harmful (pathogenic) bacteria cause disease by reproducing inside the body and releasing toxins or destroying tissues.
The four primary genera of coliform bacteria are Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Citrobacter. These microorganisms are rod-shaped, Gram-negative, and used globally as key water quality and sanitation indicators.
Most coliform bacteria are harmless. However, their presence—especially E. coli—serves as a crucial indicator that disease-causing pathogens or fecal matter have contaminated your water or food supply. While the coliforms themselves may not cause illness, ingesting them means you are at risk of exposure to dangerous microorganisms.
Bathroom and kitchen towels play host to a variety of bacterial species, including S. aureus and E. coli. Improper laundering can also spread these germs to other items – including our bed sheets.
Some antibiotics providers use to treat E. coli infections include:
Yes, healthy adults can generally shower in water contaminated with coliform bacteria as long as they do not swallow the water. However, there are a few important exceptions and strict precautions you should take:
Some of the symptoms of illness associated with fecal coliform pathogens are minor, such as upset stomach, diarrhea, ear infections, and rashes.
Coliform bacteria themselves generally do not produce a distinct, universal smell. However, the organic waste and biofilms associated with them can emit earthy, musty, or sometimes sewage-like odors in water supplies.
To remove coliform bacteria from water, you must first stop drinking it until it is properly treated. For immediate, natural disinfection at home, boil the water for at least one full minute (or three minutes at altitudes above 5,000 feet) to kill the bacteria.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection typically appear 3 to 4 days after exposure and can include E. coli Intestinal Infection:
If your well tests positive for coliform, stop drinking the water immediately. Use bottled water or bring your tap water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing produce.
To shock and kill bacteria in your well, pour 1 to 3 gallons of unscented household chlorine bleach directly into the well casing. For continuous protection, install a whole-house UV Water Purifier or automatic chemical injection system. Always test your water first.
For a standard residential well, you will typically need 1 to 3 gallons of unscented household bleach to shock chlorinate. The exact amount depends on your well’s depth and diameter.