Potential Pathways

for
Coliform
Contamination
Fixing Positive Coliform Results
Fixing Positive Coliform Results
• Adopt the mentality that every positive
coliform result has a source.
• Thoroughly investigate to determine
potential sources.
• Do not flush and disinfect the entire
system following a positive routine
result.
Fixing Positive Coliform Results
• Understand that repeat samples are intended
to determine whether coliform
contamination is widespread or isolated.
• Take repeat samples at the correct locations.
• Review past monitoring results to see if
there are any trends.
Fixing Positive Coliform Results
• If the system uses sodium hypochlorite for
disinfection, review:
– procedures for replacing or freshening-up the hypochlorite
feed solution
– chlorine residual monitoring frequency in the distribution
system
– locations for chlorine residual monitoring
– expiration date of test kit chemicals
– water usage records, particularly peak usage vs. chlorine
feed and contact time
 Investigative Sampling
• If after thoroughly inspecting the system for potential
pathways for the coliform contamination you still have
not identified a source, take investigative samples of
the:
– water source
– storage tank
– each section of the distribution system
• Check the box on the the bacteriological sampling
form that the samples are “special” or “investigative”.
 If Potential Coliform Source
Cannot Be Identified
• Shutdown the system if a source cannot be
found.
• Flush and disinfect the storage tank and
distribution system completely if a source
cannot be identified.
• If the source is determined to be
contaminated, disinfect it obtaining a free
chlorine residual of 100 mg/L.
 If Potential Coliform Source
Cannot Be Identified
• Premix your chlorine solution in a container.
• Pour the solution into the well through a hose
which the hose is being raised and lowered
through the water.
• Hold the chlorine in the source for at least 24-
hours.
• Pump the well or flush out the spring box until
the chlorine residual is 1 mg/l or less.
 Disinfection of the Distribution
System
• To disinfect the distribution system chlorinate the
source and pump or feed the water into the system.
• Let the water run out of each tap until a chlorine
odor is detected.
• Hold the chlorinated water in the distribution
system for at least 24-hours.
• Keep the chlorinated water out of nearby surface
water.
• Start your search at the
well house.
Check the well casing to see if its
properly sealed
An incomplete repair may be a
source
 Can surface water runoff
infiltrate around the well casing?
• Seal any cracks in the
concrete pad around the
casing.
• Pad should extend above
grade and slope away
from the casing.
• Hand pump pad should
have a drain that
discharges to grade at
least 100 feet away.
Surface water runoff into vaults associated
with the water system is another potential
pathway for contaminates
 Surface water runoff and
sediment has potentially
contaminated the filter

Avoid putting anything that must be

maintained in a vault.
Can surface water pond about the well casing?
Is the casing sealed to prevent
dirt and runoff from entering?
Is the well subject to flooding or
is it under the direct influence of
surface water?
Is there a septic system or other
source of coliforms within 100
feet of the well?
Is there a vault toilet within 100
feet of the well?
• A vault toilet you
would be proud to take
Mom to.
 Storage tanks are common source of
contamination. If sediment accumulates
in the tank, periodic cleaning and
disinfecting is necessary.
• An overflow that is
not properly screened
provides a pathway for
rodents and other
small animals.
• At least a #4 mesh
screen sandwiched
between flanges
should be installed.
• If possible, overflow
should terminate 12 to
24 inches above grade
to make it more for
rodents to tamper with
the screen.
Divert surface water runoff away
from storage tank access hatches
Keep access hatch locked or
otherwise secured
 Keep hatch covers well above grade and
ensure their covers are sealed with a gasket
Remove tall vegetation around
the well that your sample
containers may brush against
• Debris accumulated in
the well house may be
a source of
contamination
• Maintain the structure
to prevent rodents
from living in it
Properly seal all abandoned wells
Stagnant water due to
excessive storage
volume may cause
grown of heterotrophic
(noncoliform)
bacteria.
Corrosion inside very old tanks will
affect the quality of the water
 Provide a separate water line
with backflow prevention on it
to meet fire demands
 Cross Connections
• Has the water system pressure dropped
below 20 psi shortly before the positive
coliform result due to:
– water line break
– high water demand (e.g., opening of a hydrant
to fill fire engines)
• Are backflow preventors installed on all
potential cross connections?
 A reduced pressure backflow
preventor should be installed on
lawn irrigation lines

Backflow preventors should be tested

annually to ensure they are
functioning properly
• Are vacuum
breakers installed
on all hose bibs?
 Install vacuum breakers with
manual drains to prevent the tap
from freezing
Do shop sink faucets have built
in backflow preventors?
Springs
Check isolation and air relief valves
on the line from the spring to the site
to determine whether they are
impacted by runoff or soil erosion
Ensure storage tank hatch is not
subject to surface water runoff
 Check that the access hatch is
bolted closed and sealed with a
gasket
The vent must be screened to
keep insects out
Does the spring also supply
wildlife or cattle troughs?
Are total separate water lines run
for drinking vs. wildlife/cattle?