| What are some of the bacteria in drinking water? |
| Human and animal wastes are a primary source of bacteria in drinking water. The sources of these drinking water bacterial contaminations include runoff from feedlots, pastures, dog runs, and other land areas where animal wastes are deposited. Additional sources of bacteria in drinking water include seepage or discharge from septic tanks and sewage treatment facilities. Bacteria from these sources can enter wells that are either open at the land surface, or do not have water-tight casings or caps, or do not have a grout seal in the annular space (the space between the wall of the drilled well and the outside of the well casing). Insects, rodents or animals entering the well are other sources of drinking water contamination. Old wells were dug by hand and lined (cased) with rocks or bricks. These wells usually have large openings and casings that often are not well sealed. This makes it easy for insects, rodents, or animals to enter the well. Another reason for bacteria in drinking water is the contaminant can inundate or infiltrate the water source via floodwaters or surface runoff. Floodwaters commonly contain high levels of bacteria. Small depressions filled with floodwater provide an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Whenever a well is inundated by floodwaters or surface runoff, bacterial contamination of drinking water is likely. Home Page | FAQs | Glossary | Contact Us |