CTS Water Microbiology provides comprehensive Coliform bacteria in water test services, accurately assessing potential faecal contamination and advising on appropriate remedial strategies.
What Is Coliform Bacteria?
Coliform bacteria are common microorganisms found in plants, soil, and the digestive tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans. They are part of the Enterobacteriaceae family, which includes Escherichia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and other bacteria that originate in faeces.
A subgroup of Coliforms, called Faecal Coliform bacteria, can be distinguished by their ability to grow at higher temperatures and are found in the faecal waste of animals and humans. There are six key species of Faecal Coliform, one being E. coli.
While most Total Coliform and Faecal Coliform bacteria do not cause disease, their presence in water indicates potential faecal pollution and that the supply may be contaminated by more harmful microorganisms.
Coliform Bacteria in Water Test
CTS Water Microbiology specialists can provide quick, accurate, and reliable Coliform bacteria in water test services to ensure your water system is free from potential faecal contamination.
At our UKAS*-accredited laboratory, our experts will first test your water sample for Total Coliform bacteria. If Coliforms are detected, we will then test for Faecal Coliform bacteria. The presence of Faecal Coliforms will indicate recent faecal contamination, which can almost always be confirmed by the presence of E. coli.
If only Total Coliform bacteria are detected, the source of contamination is probably environmental (e.g., soil or vegetation). While this makes faecal pollution unlikely, the fact that environmental contamination can enter the system suggests there may be a way for pathogens to enter the system as well.
* For a full list of our UKAS-accredited activities, please view our schedule of accreditation.
CTS Water Microbiology for Coliform Bacteria in Water Test Services
Even if your water system looks clean, Coliform bacteria in water test services may still be required to demonstrate the regime is appropriate, working well, and in compliance with HSE ACOP L8 and HSG274.
At CTS Water Microbiology, we offer a wide range of sampling, testing, and analysis services for potable and non-potable water sources to help with:
- Accredited Laboratory Water Testing: We are experts in water microbiology and chemistry testing and analysis for Coliforms, Legionella, Pseudomonas, Total Viable Count (TVCs) and more.
- Industrial, Recreational & Potable Water Systems: We offer comprehensive water testing for drinking water, wastewater, swimming pools, lakes and rivers, closed circuit systems, and many others.
- Corrosion, Scale & Contaminants: Our tests can reveal water quality and health, as well as underlying water system safety and maintenance needs to optimise performance.
- Monitoring, Certification & Validation: Our highly knowledgeable team uses the latest equipment and approved methodology while advising on appropriate sampling points and test frequencies to ensure regulatory compliance.
To learn more about our microbiology and chemistry testing services and how we can help you, contact the CTS Water Microbiology team today!