E. coli comes from human and animal wastes. During rainfalls, snow melts, or other types of precipitation, E. coli may be washed into creeks, rivers, streams, lakes, or groundwater. When these waters are used as sources of drinking water and the water is not treated or inadequately treated, E. coli may end up in drinking water.

Although most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, certain strains produce a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness. Infection often causes severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

Documented cases resulting in death are not uncommon and typically affect the young, the old, and those with deficient immune systems most severely. The infection can also cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, in which the red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail. About 2%-7% of infections lead to this complication. In the United States, hemolytic uremic syndrome is the principal cause of acute kidney failure in children, and most cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome are caused by E. coli.

Well water sources, especially for commercial users, are advised to have a bacterialogical test to detect E coli and other bacteria. This inexpensive water test should be done once per year. We typically charge $50.00 to $200.00 for this test depending on your location.

The only way to be sure that contaminated drinking water is E. coli free is by installing a bacteria removal solution from Superior Water Systems. These solutions start from $2000.00.