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Coliform Bacteria & E. coli

What are coliform bacteria?

Coliform bacteria make up a large group of bacteria that are found in soils, on plants, and in surface water. Certain coliform bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals.

Coliforms are not harmful themselves, but when present in drinking water, disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites may have gotten into the water supply by the same route as the coliforms. The Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) tests for coliforms as an indicator for possible contamination.

Nitrate & Nitrite

Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units that combine with various organic and inorganic compounds. They come from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in the soil, where flowing ground water picks them up. High levels of nitrates and nitrites in groundwater are usually due to human activities but can sometimes be found naturally in groundwater. The major sources of nitrates and nitrites in drinking water are runoff from fertilizer use, sewage -- especially leakage from septic tanks -- and erosion of natural deposits.

Arsenic in Drinking Water

Arsenic is a semi-metal element in the periodic table. It is odorless and tasteless. It enters drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the earth or from agricultural and industrial practices. The health effects of Arsenic exposure can be severe, and include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting; thickening and discoloration of the skin; numbness in hands and feet; partial paralysis; and blindness. Prolonged exposure or exposure to large doses can be fatal.

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Contact Us

  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
  • Voice Calls: (207) 287-2070 (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm)
  • Emergency: (207) 557-4214 (After hours, weekends, and holidays)
  • TTY: Maine relay 711
  • Fax: (207) 287-4172

Address:

  • 286 Water St, 3rd Floor
    11 State House Station
    Augusta, ME 04333-0011

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