Microbiological Bacteria
Ensure the Microbial Safety of Your Drinking and Well Water
At Hallmark Laboratories, we specialize in comprehensive microbiological testing to detect harmful bacteria and other microbial contaminants in drinking water, well water, and other water sources. Protecting your water from microbial contamination is essential for health and safety, as certain bacteria can cause illness, affect taste and odor, and disrupt water systems.
Why Test for Microbiological Bacteria?
Testing for microbial contamination is critical for various reasons, especially for drinking water and well water sources:
Health Protection: Microbial contaminants like Total Coliform, Escherichia Coliform (E. coli), and Fecal Coliform bacteria indicate fecal contamination, which poses serious health risks, including gastrointestinal illness, infections, and more severe diseases. Testing helps prevent these health risks and ensures compliance with health standards.
Water Quality Assurance: Even if water looks clear, it can still harbor harmful bacteria. Regular testing ensures that water quality remains high and free from microbial contamination that could affect taste, odor, and appearance.
Well Water Safety: Well water is particularly susceptible to microbial contamination, as it is directly influenced by environmental factors like surface runoff. Testing well water frequently is essential for families and communities relying on it as a primary drinking source.
System Maintenance: Bacteria like Iron-Related Bacteria (IRB) and Sulphate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB) can clog pipes, affect water pressure, and cause staining on fixtures. Identifying and controlling these bacteria helps maintain the efficiency and lifespan of your water system.
WHO and EPA Microbial Standards for Safe Drinking Water
Total Coliform: The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both recommend a limit of 0 CFU/100 mL for Total Coliforms in treated drinking water. Their presence indicates potential contamination from environmental sources, soil, or organic matter and warrants further testing to ensure safety.
Escherichia Coliform (E. coli): According to the EPA and WHO, there should be no E. coli (0 CFU/100 mL) in drinking water. E. coli presence suggests a serious health risk and fecal contamination from sources like sewage or animal waste, indicating potential pathogens.
Fecal Coliform: Similarly, the EPA recommends a limit of 0 CFU/100 mL for fecal coliform in drinking water, as their presence also indicates fecal contamination. WHO guidelines align, emphasizing that fecal coliforms should not be detected in any drinking water sample.
Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC): EPA guidelines recommend HPC levels of <500 CFU/mL in drinking water. High HPC values may indicate inadequate treatment or biofilm presence and can compromise overall water quality.
Iron-Related Bacteria (IRB) and Sulphate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB): Although the WHO and EPA have no formal limits for IRB and SRB in drinking water, they highlight the need to monitor these bacteria to prevent aesthetic issues (like odor and staining) and protect water systems from clogging and corrosion.
Types of Microbiological Testing We Offer
Our laboratory tests for a range of bacteria to provide a complete picture of your water’s microbial safety:
- Total Coliform
- Escherichia Coliform (E. coli)
- Fecal Coliform
- Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC)
- Iron-Related Bacteria (IRB)
- Sulphate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB)
Ideal for All Water Sources
Our microbiological testing is suitable for various water sources to ensure safe use for drinking, industrial, and environmental purposes:
- Drinking Water
- Well Water
- Commercial and Industrial Water Systems
- Public Water Sources
Why Choose Hallmark Laboratories for Microbiological Testing?
- Accurate Analysis
- Comprehensive Reporting
- Convenient Sampling Options
Book Your Microbiological Testing Today
Take proactive steps to safeguard your water. Contact Hallmark Laboratories today to schedule your microbiological bacteria testing:
- Phone: 587 703 9555
- Email: info@hallmarklabortories.ca
- Location: Calgary, Alberta