H2o Care Water Filtration

Bacteria in Well Water: Testing and Treatment Solutions

Are you noticing unusual tastes, odors, or discoloration in your drinking water? These signs can indicate bacterial contamination in your water supply, which is more common than many well owners realize.

At H2O Care, we’ve helped New England residents address bacteria in well water over the past 30 years. Our experienced team understands the specific bacterial issues affecting private wells throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Rhode Island. We provide comprehensive testing and proven treatment solutions to restore your water quality.

Our professionals recommend well testing every year to monitor your drinking water, as does the EPA. If there’s a risk of contamination, testing annually (or more frequently) is crucial. To schedule your water test and find out what’s in your water supply, contact us at H2O Care!

Common Types of Bacteria in Well Water

Coliform Bacteria in Well Water

Total coliform bacteria are a large group of many different types of bacteria. Most are harmless, and these bacteria are commonly found in soil and surface water. However, they do not occur naturally in groundwater. When these bacteria appear in well water, their presence often points to other contaminants.

Coliform bacteria in well water typically enter through:

  • Cracked well casings
  • Poorly sealed well caps
  • Surface water infiltration
  • Contaminated groundwater

If any coliform bacteria are found in your well water after a lab test, there’s a chance your water also contains E. coli or fecal coliform.

E. Coli Bacteria in Well Water

The presence of E. coli bacteria in water indicates recent contamination from human or animal waste. This type of contamination requires immediate attention and professional treatment.

Iron Bacteria in Well Water

Iron bacteria create distinctive problems you can actually see and smell throughout your property. These bacteria feed on iron in your water, producing:

  • Slimy, reddish-brown buildup in toilet tanks and pipes
  • Musty or swampy odors
  • Thick, gel-like coating on fixtures
  • Clogged pipes and reduced water flow
  • Staining in sinks, tubs, and on laundry

At H2O Care, we offer effective iron water filtration for homeowners throughout the region.

Sulfur Bacteria in Well Water

Sulfur bacteria follow one of the most recognizable signs of water contamination— the rotten egg smell. These bacteria feed on organic matter, producing:

  • Hydrogen sulfide gas, the source of the strong rotten egg (sulfur) odor
  • Black stains on plumbing fixtures or silverware
  • Slimy buildup in pipes and on fixtures
  • Unpleasant taste
  • Corrosion of plumbing components

Sulfur bacteria can develop in water heaters, well systems, groundwater, or plumbing systems. The rotten egg smell can also occur as a result of chemical reactions inside your water heater.

Professional Well Water Bacteria Testing

Regular testing is essential for detecting bacteria in well water. Many bacterial contaminants cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled, making laboratory analysis the only reliable detection method. Testing frequency depends on your well’s history and local conditions. However, according to the EPA, private well owners should test their well water annually.

Our technicians follow strict collection procedures for accurate well water test results. We work with certified laboratories to get answers you can trust.

If you need comprehensive water testing, then contact H2O Care to get help from our skilled team.

How Bacteria Get Into Well Water

Understanding how bacteria can get into well water helps prevent future contamination. Common entry points include:

  • Well construction issues, such as: 
    • Loose or damaged well caps
    • Cracked well casings or pipes
    • Poor grout sealing around the well pipe
    • Inadequate well depth in areas near surface water
  • Environmental factors, such as:
    • Standing water around the well area
    • Surface runoff reaching the well
    • Nearby septic systems or animal waste sources
  • System maintenance issues, such as:
    • Recent work on wells or plumbing
    • Leaking storage tanks or pipes
    • Old, unsealed wells that are contaminating groundwater

Proper well construction and regular maintenance prevent most bacterial contamination issues. Our team at H2O Care can evaluate your well system and identify potential entry points for bacteria.

Treatment for Bacteria in Well Water

Professional well water treatment is essential to address bacterial contamination. At H2O Care, we offer several proven approaches to address bacteria in your water supply:

  • UV Water Treatment: UV disinfection provides chemical-free treatment for bacteria in well water. These systems use ultraviolet light to neutralize bacteria and are effective at treating E. coli and various other types.
  • Chlorination Systems: For ongoing bacterial issues, we install automated chlorination systems that provide consistent treatment. These systems inject precise amounts of chlorine to eliminate bacteria while maintaining water quality.
  • Shock Chlorination: For immediate, strong treatment, we offer professional shock chlorination of your well system. This process disinfects the entire well and plumbing system, followed by thorough flushing and retesting.
  • Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration: Reverse osmosis (RO) is highly effective at removing a wide range of contaminants from water, including bacteria. The RO filtering process uses a semi-permeable membrane with extremely small pores that are much smaller than the size of most bacteria.

If you’re looking for the right solution to water contamination, including bacteria, contact H2O Care today. We’re your source for effective, reliable well water services across New England.

Complete Well Water Treatment Solutions

At H2O Care, we install only the highest quality water treatment systems using advanced technology and industry best practices. Our comprehensive approach addresses not just bacteria, but all local water quality issues.

Whole-House Protection

Our systems protect your entire home’s water supply, ensuring bacterial elimination at every tap. We design custom treatment systems based on your water test results and household needs.

Professional Installation and Maintenance

Our experienced technicians provide expert installation and ongoing maintenance for all treatment systems. Regular maintenance ensures continued effectiveness and longevity.

Contact H2O Care

With over 15,000 water filtration and treatment systems installed throughout New England, we bring unmatched experience to every contamination issue. Our team’s knowledge of regional water challenges ensures effective solutions for your specific situation.

Take Action Against Bacteria in Your Well Water

The issue of bacteria in well water requires prompt professional attention. The longer bacterial contamination persists, the more established it becomes in your water system. Our proven treatment methods eliminate current contamination while preventing future bacterial growth.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of coliform bacteria in your well water, or dealing with odor issues or other signs of bacterial contamination, call H2O Care. Our experienced team will investigate your well water and recommend the most effective approach.

Call us at (800) 539-1100 or contact us online for assistance. We serve homeowners throughout Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire & Maine, and Northern Rhode Island with proven treatment solutions. Let our 30+ years of experience restore your water quality and give you confidence in every drop.