Patriot Home Inspection Company

Patriot Inspections performs Water Quality Testing- May be performed with a home inspection or as a single test.

Bacteriological Analysis for Drinking Water

This bacteriological water analysis is made in accordance with methodology described in the latest edition of the American Public Health Association's.  Standard Methods for examination of water and wastewater, and complies with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services standards for drinking water.  Drinking water samples are analyzed for presence of coliform bacteria.  If coliform bacteria are present in the sample, it is then analyzed for the presence of E.coli.

Coliform Bacteria

Coliforms are a group of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and other animals.  Coliforms also occur naturally in the soil, on vegetation and in surface waters (lake and streams).  Most members of the coliform group do not cause disease.  When found in drinking water, coliform bacteria indicate that contamination of the water has occurred, and other disease causing bacteria could also get in the water supply.

E. Coli

Escherichia Coli (E.Coli) is a member of the coliform group of bacteria and is found only in the intestines of warm blooded animals, including humans.  When found in drinking water, E. coli indicates the water has been contaminated with human or animal wastes.  Possible sources of contamination include leaking septic systems, surface water, leaking into the supply and runoff from agricultural lots.

  Directions To Chlorinate Well if during your home inspection one or both of these bacteria(s) are present

1.) Remove well cap and pour 2 gallons of bleach into well.

2.) Pour fresh water into well to flush the bleach off the sides of the casing

3.) Let well stand for 1 hour

4.) Open cold water taps in the house until chlorine is present, shut off and let stand for 30 minutes

5.) Run outside taps until well is free of chlorine-- This could take several hours

6.) When well is free of chlorine turn on taps inside and flush lines on inside of  home

During the chlorination process the water is not drinkable.  Do NOT drink or cook with the water until the system is flushed out.  Also it is recommended to not do any laundry until bleach is totally out of system.

** RECOMMENDATION:  Repeat samples should be taken 5 days after chlorination.  Another sample should also be taken 10 days after the chlorination.