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Water
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Coliform bacteria is present in the digestive tracts of all warmblooded animals, and is necessary for the digestive process to function. However, it is also considered by the Health Department to be evidence that a water source is contaminated by unprotected surface water.
Of greater concern, Mr. Shepard said, is the 15.9 percent of samples (31 of 195) which tested postive for the presence of fecal coliform. That, the sanitarian said, indicates that the water source is contaminated either by human or animal waste. Human waste contamination probably would be due to a malfunctioning or poorly sited septic system, while animal waste contamination could be due to runoff from a livestock operation, proximity to a stream or other factors.
The contamination results, Mr. Shepard said, “are higher than we would like to see, but without knowing the condition of the water supplies and their general construction, it would not be out of line. ”
He explained that, because the figure was not broken down according to whether the water came from springs, cisterns or wells, it is difficult to judge the significance or danger of the contamination. Springs and cisterns are far more succeptible to contamination by surface water, while properly drilled wells should be relatively safe, the sanitarian said. “If all the samples came from wells, properly grouted and drilled within the past 10 years, I would be really concerned.”
Mr. Shepard recommended that those homes whose samples returned postive for coliform contamination should first shock chlorinate the water supply according to the directions furnished by the Extension Service. That treatment should be followed by a second test for coliform.
In addition, Mr. Shepard noted, the Health Department or Extension office can visit a home and survey possible sources of contamination, as well as offer suggestions for possible treatment measures.
The most widespread problem with the county’s water, according to Dr. Blake Ross and Dr. Janice Woodard of Virginia Tech, is that it tends to be soft and slightly acidic. That combination, they explained, can lead to excessive corrosion in pipes and premature wear on appliances.
Nearly half of the samples tested, 110, were found to be outside
95.9%