Bacteria Water: Symptoms of bacterial water exposure include
diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches and vomiting.
The presence of bacteria in drinking water is usually a problem with the
treatment system or the pipes which distribute water, and indicates that the water may be contaminated with
germs that can cause disease.
Fecal Coliform and E coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or
animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches,
or other symptoms.
Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for
microbial growth. Turbidity may indicate the presence of disease causing organisms. These organisms include
bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated
headaches.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes
cryptosporidiosis, a mild gastrointestinal disease. However, the disease can be severe or fatal for people with
severely weakened immune systems. EPA and CDC have prepared advice for those with severely compromised immune systems who are concerned about
Cryptosporidium.
Giardia lamblia is a parasite that enters lakes and rivers through sewage and animal waste. It causes
gastrointestinal illness (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting, cramps).
Testing for Coliform Bacteria Water:
Coliform Bacteria? Don't guess, test!
Click on the image to the right or the arrow below to learn more or order your Bacteria
Water Testing from National Testing Laboratories. Clicking on these images will open a new internet window and
take you to the laboratory website.
Recommended Treatment:
Chlorination or Ultraviolet Light.
Reference Source
USEPA Safewater Facts
Return from Bacteria Water to Water Quality and Toxicities.
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