The Upper Trinity Groundwater Conservation District (UTGCD) has purchased the equipment to test for coliform bacteria in water wells. Currently the District is not charging a fee for the test. The analyses are performed in accordance with analytical methods approved by the EPA, Texas Water   Development Board, the Hach Co., or Idexx Laboratories, Inc. UTGCD in-house analyses are not state-certified. The analysis results are intended to be representative of the water quality on the day of sampling only, and future samples from the same site may yield different results.

“Coliform bacteria are a group of microorganisms commonly found in soil, surface water, and on plants. They are also present in the intestines of animals and humans. Coliform bacteria that are washed into the ground by rain are usually filtered out as the water goes through the soil and into groundwater systems. However, poorly constructed, cracked or unsealed wells can provide a path for coliform bacteria to enter groundwater and to contaminate your drinking water.

Most coliform bacteria will not likely cause illness. However, these bacteria are used as indicators in water tests because their presence indicates that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) could also be in the water.”

From the Water Fact Sheet – July 2009 “Protect yourself from Coliform Bacteria in Well Water” N.C. Department of Health and Human Services – Division of Public Health.

A well owner interested in having their well water analyzed needs to come by the UTGCD office located at 1250 E. Hwy 199, Springtown, Texas. The staff will provide a bottle and instructions for collecting the sample. The sample will need to be brought back to the office within 24 hours after collection for testing. The analysis takes 24 hours. The District does not sample on Friday or the day before a holiday. The District phone number is: 817-523-5200 or toll free 877-388-8423.