Bacteria in my well? How do I know for sure?

Reach in your wallet and bring out twenty-one dollars. This is what it costs for a whole year's worth of peace of mind about the health of your drinking water well when you use it for a bacteriological test.

What am I testing for?
The BacT (using water lingo) is a test for coliform bacteria. The word "coliform" used to give me visions of microscopic monsters. But, not all coliform bacterias make you sick. You probably have coliform on the handle of your coffee cup right now. However, if coliform is in drinking water, it could mean some microscopic monsters are there, too. If the test is positive for coliform, the lab will also test for fecal coliform and e.coli bacteria. If either of of those coliforms are found, don't drink the water!

What do I collect the sample in?
Pick up a sample bottle from your lab of choice. The health district has a list, but Twiss Analytical is the lab PUD uses.

Where do I test from?
The best sample point is a metal outside hose bib. Take off any screens or washers. Flame the threads of the faucet with cigarette lighter for one minute.

How do I test my drinking water?
Once the sample point is sterilized, run cold water through the faucet for a full five minutes. Don't let water splash back onto the faucet! Make the stream clear, steady and consistent not a gusher. Use this time to fill out your paperwork.

Don't rinse the bottle! The powder inside the bottle is an important part of the test!

1. Turn the water down so the water stream is about as thick as a pencil.
2. Remove the plastic seal on the bottle
3. Remove the lid. Hold it in your hand. Do not contaminate this lid by touching inside the cap.
4. Fill the bottle just above the 100 milliliter line. Do not touch the threads of the bottle.
5. Screw the lid back on securely, dry of the outside of the bottle and wrap the paperwork around the bottle

Keep the sample cool and return it to the lab as soon as possible. If the sample is more than 30 hours old, you will have to retest. Twiss has pick up points around the county. The lab will have your results back in 24 hours.

There you go - easy and you are good to go for another year. Don't forget to check in with the lab about other tests that need to be done regularly, but less frequently.