Coliform Bacteria Test

The most common causes include a damaged or missing well cap that allows insects to enter the casing, an inadequate grout seal that lets surface water travel down the outside of the casing, proximity to septic systems or animal waste, flooding near the wellhead, and cracked or corroded casing. Identifying the entry point is essential to resolving contamination — treatment without source identification usually results in recurrence.

Not necessarily. A positive coliform result indicates contamination but does not automatically mean the well must be abandoned. In many cases, the entry point can be identified and corrected — for example by replacing a damaged well cap, repairing casing, or shock chlorinating the well — and a follow-up test confirms the water has returned to a safe status. Trident Drilling can help identify the likely contamination source as part of an inspection.

Yes, in virtually all cases. Idaho lenders and most real estate agents require a current coliform bacteria test showing safe results before a real estate transaction on a property with a private well can close. Trident Drilling facilitates this testing as part of the well inspection process for property transactions.