Last Updated on January 22, 2019
A Water Test is the First Step in Protection
Whether your water is from a municipal supply or a private well, regular water testing gives you the knowledge needed to treat your water and regain peace of mind. A water test will analyze contaminants and Water Quality Indicators (WQIs) found in the water supply. The test should include total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. UV-C Disinfection will protect you from harmful microorganisms that are leading to your failed water test.If It’s Your Well, You’re Responsible
There’s no federal oversight on the quality and safety of private water wells. However, the owner is responsible for following the appropriate well water guidelines for their own state.
Many Municipal and Public Water Systems Fail
Many smaller municipalities don’t have the resources to monitor water quality adequately and maintain their aging infrastructure to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). A 2017 Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) report indicated that there were more than 80,000 SDWA violations in 2015.
Selling a Home
Many municipalities and mortgage companies require mandatory water analysis. If a failed water test occurs, it may be the seller’s responsibility to remedy the water quality.General Changes Indicating Need for a Water Test
Test once a year, or more frequently if there is cause for concern or the following:
- Nausea, diarrhea, cramping, vomiting, or headaches
- Water is off-color, cloudy, or has an odor
- Reduced water pressure
- Flooding, storm surge, or tornado activity
- Increased construction or agriculture
- Increased mining or old mine recommission (if your well is within a quarry’s pumping zone of influence including strip mining, open-pit mining, and mountaintop removal mining, or underground mining such as for coal).
- Septic system or cesspool issues
- Pipe, pump, or well casing repair
- Recently decommissioned well in your area
- If your well is newly drilled or bored larger
- Municipal water that suffers frequent boil water alerts, water main breaks and infrastructure failures
Common Types of Microorganisms Found in Failed Water Tests
Total Coliform is a class of diverse bacteria commonly found in the environment. It should not appear in treated water, and it’s easy to detect. According to the World Health Organization, total coliform in your water may mean there’s possible fecal contamination in the water. Your water may not be safe to drink or use without proper treatment such as ultraviolet disinfection.
Failed total coliform on your water test could indicate that your water has Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, or Shigella bacteria. Contaminated water can cause a wide range of health effects from mild symptoms to severe illness. The EPA’s standard for public drinking water states that zero coliform bacteria can be present in the water. In addition to these bacteria, the CDC lists Cryptosporidium and Giardia protozoa, as well as virus such as Enterovirus, Hepatitis A, Norovirus, and Rotavirus, as contaminants of concern in private wells. Public water sources are also at risk from Legionella bacterium, which causes Legionnaire’s disease and was responsible for 57% of waterborne disease outbreaks reported to the CDC’s National Outbreak Reporting System during 2013–2014 and can cause Legionnaire’s disease . These bacteria, virus, and protozoa can make you ill — or worse, they can have severe consequences.
Ultraviolet is recognized as a water treatment that is safe, rapid, and lethal to virtually all bacteria, protozoa, virus, and fungi. If your water test fails for total coliform, Atlantic Ultraviolet Corporation® can help provide a solution to meet your water purification needs. Visit “My Water Test Came Back Positive for Bacteria! Now What? A Frequently Asked Question” to learn how to select the system that’s right for you.
Learn More & Shop Our Products
Made or Assembled in the USA of Type 304 or Type 316 stainless steel, the UV water treatment systems from Atlantic Ultraviolet Corporation® are constructed of the highest quality materials and use germicidal UV-C lamps to purify water. Many applications can benefit from germicidal UV-C, including large facilities when a failed water test occurs. For more information on UV-C for failed water tests, visit our application-specific page.Learn Here! Ultraviolet.com
- Learn about UV Water & Liquid Purifiers
- Download Ultraviolet Water Documents from our PDF Library
- Visit our Application-Specific Page: UV-C for Failed Water Tests
- View all the applications that can benefit from Germicidal UV-C
- Learn about STER-L-RAY ® Germicidal Ultraviolet Lamps
Shop Here! BuyUltraviolet.com
- Shop UV Water Purifiers for use When You Have a Failed Water Test
- Shop STER-L-RAY ® Germicidal UV Lamps
- Compare all models with our UV Water Purifier Comparison Chart
Need help? Call Our UV Specialists at 1-631-273-0500, Monday – Friday 7am to 6pm EST or fill out our contact form.
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View our infographic: What is a Failed Water Test?
