First up: What is coliform? It’s a group of bacteria that lives in soil, plants, and animal guts. Gross, but true.
Here’s the kicker: Most coliform is harmless. It’s like finding a ladybug in your salad. Unpleasant, but not a crisis.
But it’s a signal. A tiny red flag waving “Hey, your well might have a leak!” That’s the part to watch.
Why Is It So Common?
Your well isn’t a sterile laboratory. It’s a hole in the ground. Rain, runoff, and critters all play a part.
Think about it: A raccoon sneezes near your well cap. A heavy rain washes soil into a crack. Boom—coliform central.
Studies show that up to 40% of private wells have coliform at some point. That’s four out of ten neighbors. Yep, your water is social.
