Bacteria in water.

Bacteria are common in water. They occur naturally in water, and almost everywhere else.

Most bacteria are of no health concern because they do not cause disease in humans. These are called non-pathogenic bacteria. Pathogenic, or disease-causing bacteria, are responsible for such diseases as cholera, typhoid fever, infectious hepatitis, dysentery, and gastroenteritis.

The bacteria we hear most about is E. coli (which stands for Escherichia coli). E. coli is found in the intestines and in the fecal matter of humans and animals, so when E. coli (usually accompanied by high chloride and nitrate levels) is found in water, it usually indicates that the water supply has been contaminated from sewage. E. coli might get into the water supply, for example, through a broken well casing, a ruptured supply line, or runoff from a septic system or dumped sewage. E. coli is of significance mainly as an indicator bacteria. E. coli itself is most often non-pathogenic, but its presence indicates that more dangerous fecal bacteria are probably present. E. coli is always present in humans, and normally a newborn baby's intestines are inhabited by E. coli within the first 40 hours of life.

Of the non-pathogenic bacteria in water, the most commonly problematic is iron bacteria.

Treatment

Pathogenic bacteria are treated in a variety of ways. Chemical oxidation is the most common. The most frequently used chemical is chlorine, but chloramine (a mixture of chlorine and ammonia) is gaining in popularity. Ozone is another powerful chemical oxidizer used to disinfect water.

Bacteria can also be removed by filtration. Submicron filters are excellent bacteria removers. In fact, ceramic filters, made by the world's oldest water filter company, were initially developed to remove bacteria from the polluted waters of the Thames. Filters that are classed as microfilters and ultrafilters are effective against bacteria, as is reverse osmosis, though manufacturers of reverse osmosis do not normally claim bacteria removal as a function of their products.

Ultraviolet light is another standard defense against pathogenic bacteria. UV is actually classified as a sterilizer because it works by disabling the microbes' ability to reproduce.

E. coli

US water supplies were first chlorinated in the early part of the 20th century. Control of bacteria in drinking water, combined with great improvements in sanitation, represent the most significant single cause of increased longevity.

Iron bacteria, a non-pathogen but a terrible nuisance, is treated mainly by chlorination. Often it is impossible to rid wells of the bacteria so perpetual treatment is required to control it.