Bacterium Escherichia coli

Source: MDDEFP

E. coli in drinking water

Among the group of coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the only species that is strictly of faecal origin. It is naturally present in large quantities in the intestinal flora of humans and animals.

The detection of E. coli faucet connected to a public network or individual wells indicates beyond doubt a faecal contamination of drinking water and the potential presence of pathogens. This water should not be consumed or must be boiled for at least one minute before drinking.

It is also important to look after the source of contamination. The various causes of the contamination may be the presence of manure, septic tank and permeability as well as the capture of the network. Once the source of contamination detected, it is necessary to make the appropriate corrections. Thereafter, proceed to disinfect the well with bleach according to the procedure obtained from the Information Centre of the Ministry of Environment. Finally, we need to re-analysis and whether the presence of E. coli is detected again, then it is a persistent and recurrent infection and the water should be treated continuously with a home purifier ultraviolet-type or membrane reverse osmosis or equivalent.