Accommodation Inspection and Licensing
Fixed Roof Accommodations: Water Testing

The following information has been sanctioned by the Department of Environment and Labour.

Why should private water supplies be tested for bacteria contamination?

The presence of bacteria such as coliform bacteria in drinking water would indicate that the water is not safe for drinking or cooking. People who drink water which has bacteria contamination could become ill. Pathogenic (disease causing) organisms present in the water are capable of causing gastro-intestinal disease.

What are coliform bacteria?

Coliforms are a group of bacteria widely distributed in nature. They may be found in the soil and large numbers live in the intestines of warm blooded animals, including humans. Natural waters may become contaminated by animals (feces and urine), by storm run-off, or by entry of raw and inadequately treated sewage. As a group, coliforms are considered harmless, but their presence in water is used as an indicator of other harmful bacteria.

Where should a water sample be collected?

The location for sampling should be the same location that you would normally use to get your drinking water. In the majority of facilities this would be the kitchen cold water tap.

Taking water samples for bacteria analysis directly from the well is not recommended unless the proper sampling equipment is used. Simply lowering a bottle into a well on a string or using a dipper to collect the sample has a greater risk of becoming contaminated with bacteria and showing incorrect results.

What is the correct procedure for collecting a water sample?

1. A proper container must be used to collect the water sample. These containers can be obtained from any of the Department of the Environment offices. The sample container must be kept clean and free from contamination before and after collecting the sample.

2. Remove any aerators, strainers, hose attachments, mixing type faucets and purification devices from the taptourism_inspections_fr.aspcommon spout, run hot water for two minutes to cleanse the faucet, then switch to cold water for at least three minutes before collecting the sample. Reduce the flow of water before taking the sample to ensure no splashing occurs as the container is filled.

3. While holding the container at the base, remove the cap with the free hand, exercising care not to touch the inside of the cap or the top of the bottle. The cap is to be held in one hand during the entire sample collection operation; it is not to be laid down.

4. The sample container must be filled to just above the "fill line" marked on the bottle. The cap is carefully replaced.

5. The container and requisition form are to be labelled and transported to the laboratory within 24 hours. The sample should be kept cool until it arrives at the lab.

What do the water sample results mean?

Most laboratories do what is called a "presence/absence" determination for coliform bacteria. The results of the test will indicate, as the name implies, if coliform bacteria is present or absent in the water sample. The test may be further expanded to indicate both Total Coliform and Fecal Coliform organisms.

Total coliforms are the general group of coliform organisms described above, whereas fecal coliform bacteria are normally associated with sewage contamination. If results indicate that the sample had "absence" for both the total and fecal coliform, the water could be considered safe to drink from a bacteriological point of view.

If the result showed the "presence" of either bacteria group, the water should not be used for drinking until the source of the bacteria contamination has been determined and corrective action taken.

What assistance is available if coliform bacteria is found in the water supply?

Assistance and advise is available from your local Department of Environment office. Licensed well contractors can also provide advice on well construction.