- Any time there is a change in the taste, odor, or appearance of the well water, or if a problem occurs such as a broken well cap or a new contamination source;
- If family members or house guests have recurrent incidents of gastrointestinal illness;
- If you wish to monitor the efficiency and performance of home water treatment equipment.
- Total coliforms: Include bacteria that are found in water that has been influenced by surface water, in human or animal waste, and in soil.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli): A the major species in the fecal coliform group. Of the five general groups of bacteria that comprise the total coliforms, only E. coli is generally not found growing and reproducing in the environment. Consequently, E. coli is considered to be the species of coliform bacteria that is the best indicator of fecal pollution and the possible presence of pathogens.