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Bacteria

Total Coliform

A positive total coliform result triggers a utility assessment. It is not an exceedance: EPA has set no health goal for total coliforms since April 2016, and any assessment or violation EPA records is listed with this system's violations.

Health Effects

Not a health threat in itself; it is used to indicate whether other potentially harmful bacteria may be present

Source: EPA โ€” National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (retrieved 2026-07-27)

On a private well?

This page covers Total Coliform in public water systems. Private wells are unregulated and not tested by anyone unless you arrange it.

Bacteria (coliform & E. coli) in private well water โ†’

Common Sources

  • Coliforms are naturally present in the environment
  • as well as feces
  • fecal coliforms and E. coli only come from human and animal fecal waste

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How to Remove It

Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing Total Coliform:

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Contaminant Type

Total Coliform is classified as a Bacteria contaminant.

Check Your Water

Find out if Total Coliform is in your tap water.

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Test Your Water for This Contaminant

Public water reports may not test frequently enough or at your specific tap. Professional home testing provides current, location-specific results.

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