Bacterial Analysis

Laboratory testing for pathogens and indicator bacteria in your water supply

Bacterial analysis is laboratory testing of your water samples to detect and quantify harmful bacteria, including total coliform and E. Coli. This testing confirms whether your water is safe for drinking, cooking, and household use according to EPA and Ohio Department of Health standards.

What is Bacterial Analysis?

Why Bacterial Testing Matters

Private wells are not monitored by a water utility, so it's your responsibility to ensure water safety. Bacterial contamination can come from:

  • Septic system failure or leakage

  • Well construction defects or deterioration

  • Animal waste contamination

  • Flood or surface water infiltration

  • Nearby agricultural or industrial activities

 

Usually bacteria don't affect taste, color, or odor—you need laboratory testing to know if your water is safe.

We Test For In the State of Ohio for

Private Water Systems

Total Coliform Bacteria

  • Acceptable limit in Ohio is < 4 CFU/MPN

  • Indicator organisms that suggest potential contamination pathways

  • Found in soil, surface water, decomposed material, natural occurring

* The standard testing is for the presence or absence. Quicker turn around time, price effective but does not establish a baseline or number of specimens if sample is positive. Results are typically available in 48 hours. 

**A colony bacterial count test is necessary to determine specific amounts of bacterial contamination CFU/MPN.   If this is necessary or desired there would be additional lab fees and will require 7-10 days to report. This is specific test performed by Ohio Department of Health to test a new well that has been drilled for potable water. It does have a longer processing time.

E. coli

  • Acceptable limit in Ohio is <1 CFU/MPN

  •  indicator of fecal contamination

  • Presence indicates recent human or animal waste contamination

  • Can cause serious illness (diarrhea, kidney failure, infection)

Nitrates – Fertilizers, Septic, Agricultural Runoff

·       Levels should be below 10 mg/l

Testing Standards & Methods

Our laboratory uses EPA-approved methods for detecting and quantifying bacteria:

  • Most Probable Number (MPN): Quantifies the concentration of bacteria present

  • Colony Forming Units (CFU): Counts individual bacterial colonies to determine concentration

  • Membrane Filtration: Filters bacteria from water onto growth media for counting

Private well owners in Ohio are strongly recommended to test annually for:

  • Total coliform bacteria (minimum annual test)

  • E. coli

  • Nitrates (contamination indicator)

What Results Mean

Positive for Coliform or E. coli

Indicates potential contamination. Immediate actions:

  • Boil water order (if E. coli detected)

  • System disinfection and well shocking

  • Follow-up testing after treatment

  • Investigation of contamination source

Negative Results

Water is bacteriologically safe for drinking and household use.

Continue annual testing to monitor system status.

 

Important: If you notice changes in water taste, color, odor, or experience illness coinciding with water use, don't wait—contact us immediately for emergency testing.

Turnaround Time

  • Sample collection on-site (15–30 minutes)

  • Lab analysis (Presence/Absent 48 hours, colony count 7-10 business days)

  • Results delivered with health guidance report if applies

Call to Schedule This Service

937-271-7105