FAQ > Residential > What does a positive for coliform bacteria mean?
Search the FAQ for entries containing:
Total Coliform bacteria itself isn't harmful. It is a very common form of bacteria and used as an "indicator organism." It is used to indicate the potential for a source of contamination in your well. The well has the potential to have other types of bacteria present. E. Coli is a type of fecal coliform that we test for along with the total coliform. E. Coli can make you sick and water with E. Coli should not be consumed unless previously boiled.
