Coliform Bacteria – What Do They Do?

Contaminated drinking water is a major global problem and unfortunately also occurs in the Western hemisphere. The contamination often has very simple causes that are difficult to completely avoid. For this reason, when drinking tap water it is important to keep your health in mind. Contaminated drinking water can even lead to death or chronic diseases. In general, however, tap water can be consumed safely if it has been tested beforehand for bacterial contamination.

Coliform Bacteria: A Short Definition

Coliform bacteria are naturally found in the human intestine. However, as with all bacteria, there are different variants. One of the best known and most common variants today is the EHEC pathogen. This is a type of coliform bacterium that can have harmful effects on human health. This bacterial strain mainly originates from animal manure that accumulates in standing water and from there enters groundwater. From that point on, it becomes part of the water cycle and may therefore reach household water supplies. Proper handling of drinking water is therefore an important factor and should never be neglected.

Symptoms of Infection

There are many types of coliform bacteria and therefore the possible signs of illness can vary widely. However, all diseases caused by coliform bacteria have one thing in common: they are intestinal infections. As a result, digestion is quickly and noticeably disrupted. Bacteria in drinking water usually affect the digestive system first – and not in a positive way. Typical symptoms include:

• Blood in the stool
• Prolonged diarrhea accompanied by fever

If blood appears in the stool, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Diarrhea is considered prolonged when the illness lasts longer than three days and cannot be effectively treated with home remedies. If fever occurs as well, medical attention should also be sought immediately.

What Can Be Done Against Coliform Bacteria?

The most effective way to kill bacteria is simply to boil the water. This kills almost all types of bacteria very effectively – including coliform bacteria. Another option is the use of water purification tablets. These have a similar effect and are often easier to use. Filtering water through activated carbon filters is usually not sufficient to remove coliform bacteria effectively. A microfilter is required for this purpose. There are also filters that combine the advantages of both technologies.

Tenants and Homeowners Should Test Their Water Regularly

Of course, drinking water is regularly tested by the responsible authorities. However, contamination often occurs within the building’s plumbing system, meaning official testing can only provide limited assurance. Tenants and homeowners should therefore carry out their own checks at regular intervals and have their water subjected to a comprehensive analysis. This increases safety and helps ensure that contamination is detected and addressed at an early stage.