How Do You Treat Well Water With Bacteria?

Treat your well water in the instance of coliform bacterial contamination.

Coliform bacteria sometimes finds its way into well water. This is because coliform bacteria are present in the intestinal tract of most humans and animals. Although this type of bacteria is generally harmless, its presence in well water is an indication that other harmful bacteria and pathogens are there as well. These dangerous pathogens and bacteria in well water usually occur due to runoff from pastures, feedlots, septic tanks or from animal defecation. Diseases such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid fever can be present in contaminated well water. In the instance of a public water supply contamination, the supplier is responsible for disinfecting the water. However, private well owners must treat their own water supply when coliform bacteria is present. Use shock chlorination to disinfect well water.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid chlorine bleach
• Water
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Mix a solution of 2 quarts liquid chlorine bleach and 10 gallons of water.

2. Pour the bleach and water solution into the well. Take a garden hose and spray down the inside of the well.

3. Turn on each faucet in and outside of the home, letting the water run until you smell chlorine. Turn the water off and move on to the next faucet. Run each faucet in this manner, including outside faucets and hydrants. Flush all toilets in the home.

4. Mix another solution of 2 quarts liquid chlorine bleach and 10 gallons of water. Pour the solution into the well.

5. Let the bleach and water solution sit in the well between 12 and 24 hours.

6. Run the water first from outdoor faucets, then all of the indoor faucets until the chlorine odor is minimal or gone.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use caution when working with bleach and follow the safety warnings on the container of bleach.

References

• Utah State University: Coliform Bacteria