What Are Coliform Bacteria? A Drinking Water Contaminant

February 4, 2025

Contaminants in seemingly clean water are often invisible to the naked eye, and one of the most common culprits is coliform bacteria. These bacteria are frequently found in untreated natural water sources and inadequately treated tap water.But how do coliform bacteria affect health, and how can you prevent contamination? This article provides an in-depth look at what coliform bacteria are, their risks, and how to ensure your drinking water is safe, including the use of effective home water purifiers for added protection.

What Are Coliform Bacteria?

Coliform bacteria are a group of gram-negative bacteria commonly found in the environment, especially in water, soil, and the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. These bacteria can grow in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-deprived conditions. While coliforms are naturally present in the body, their presence in high levels in drinking water indicates contamination and poor water quality.

Coliform bacteria serve as key indicators of water quality, helping to assess safety and detect contaminants in drinking water supplies.

Why Are Coliform Bacteria Dangerous?

When coliform bacteria contaminate drinking water, they pose unexpected health risks. Individuals consuming contaminated water may experience symptoms resembling the flu, such as fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea—symptoms that can occur in both children and adults.

What’s particularly concerning is the resilience of coliform bacteria, which can survive in untreated water longer than other microorganisms. Detecting coliform bacteria in water is a warning sign of contamination from waste materials and increases the risk of exposure to more severe pathogens.

However, coliform bacteria can be effectively eliminated using heat or high-quality water filtration systems, ensuring the bacteria levels remain safe for consumption.

Tips for Safe Drinking Water

In addition to coliform bacteria, many other microorganisms can contaminate drinking water and negatively impact health. Here are some practical tips to prevent contamination and ensure water safety:

1. Boil Your Drinking Water

Boiling water is a simple and effective method for killing bacteria and other harmful pathogens in drinking water. Boil water for at least one minute to eliminate most bacteria and viruses. Additionally, boiling can help evaporate certain chemicals that may be present in the water.

2. Maintain Cleanliness of Water Containers

Proper hygiene for water containers is just as important as treating the water itself. Regularly wash containers with dishwashing liquid, and store them away from dust, insects, and pets. Use designated containers solely for drinking water to avoid cross-contamination. These precautions help ensure your water remains safe after treatment.

3. Use an Effective Home Water Purifier

Investing in a high-quality home water purifier is another excellent way to ensure your drinking water is free from contaminants. Choose a purifier that meets certification standards from reputable organizations and select one suited to your water source and usage needs. Different types of water purifiers are designed to target various contaminants, so selecting the right one ensures your water is safe and free from harmful substances.

A woman drinking clean, contaminant-free water

If you’re looking for a convenient and efficient way to ensure clean, contaminant-free drinking water, investing in a high-quality water purifier is an excellent option.

Choose a home water purifier from Wells, a trusted South Korean brand. Wells water purifiers feature certified filtration systems and automatic sterilization functions, ensuring you have access to clean and safe drinking water. These purifiers offer multiple filtration modes, including cold water, hot water, and ambient temperature, with adjustable settings across four levels. Additionally, they come in various sizes to fit any space, even in compact areas, making them ideal for any home.

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