What is biofilm and why does it allow disease-causing microorganisms to persist in your drinking water? Biofilm is a slimy layer of microorganisms that forms inside water pipes, drains, aerators, faucets and water storage tanks. It can also form in private water wells and their pumps. This slime is composed of bacteria, fungi, algae and other microscopic organisms. These microorganisms produce a protective slime that resists disinfection and allows the microorganisms to proliferate. Biofilms can form in both stagnant and running water.
Many of these bacteria are not harmful but some can be particularly dangerous for immune-compromised individuals, such as:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Causes respiratory, soft tissue, bloodstream and urinary tract infections
- Klebsiella: Causes pneumonia, meningitis, endocarditis, and bloodstream, wound and soft tissue infections
- Pantoea: Causes endocarditis and urinary, wound and bloodstream infections
- Enterobacter: Causes endocarditis and urinary, respiratory, liver, central nervous system, soft tissue, wound and bloodstream infections
- Legionella: Causes pneumonia, kidney failure and respiratory failure
- Shigella: Causes bloodstream infections, bloody diarrhea, stomach pain, seizures and reactive arthritis
- E. coli: Causes endocarditis and ear, urinary and intestinal infections
- Campylobacter: Causes gastroenteritis, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever
Some of these infections or diseases can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, out of more than 200 types of water-caused illnesses, 87% originated in biofilms.
Biofilm’s “Slime” Protects It from Disinfection
While not all the bacteria found in biofilms are dangerous, once the slime has formed it provides a haven for dangerous disease-causing microorganisms. But even if you know you have biofilm in your well or water system, ordinary disinfection procedures may not eliminate it. This slimy material resists the usual disinfectants used on private water wells such as household chlorine bleach.
A better disinfectant to use is calcium hypochlorite which research studies have shown to be more useful when biofilms are present. This disinfectant has a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect that makes it more effective in destroying the biofilms created by most of the bacteria listed here.
How to Eliminate Biofilm in Your Water Well
Testing your well water is an important part of keeping it biofilm-free. To get rid of biofilms and keep them away, develop a regular schedule that includes the following actions:
- If you have never tested your water, get the most comprehensive professional water test you can. Every year, get a more basic water test done to check for changes.
- Stagnant wells and plumbing equipment are more likely to develop biofilms so if your well has not been used for a few weeks, test the water supply before relying on it.
- If your water test shows the presence of fungi or other microorganisms, disinfect your well using calcium hypochlorite. Fourteen days after following the disinfection procedure, have a second test done to ensure that bacteria have been eliminated.
- Have your well inspected and maintained annually. Follow this maintenance with a basic water test to detect any new sources of contamination.
- If possible when replacing plumbing fixtures, use copper pipes which have antimicrobial properties.
- Maintain the proper pH in the drinking water that comes into your home to minimize the growth of biofilm. The best pH is between 6.5 and 7.5. pH correction systems can be added to water treatment or filtration systems. A corrected pH also prevents the corrosion of any metal elements in the household plumbing.
Count on ETR Laboratories for Accurate Water Test Results
Don’t let biofilms build up in your well! ETR Laboratories provides water testing for tens of thousands of private well owners across the country. When you need to know exactly what’s in your water, check out ETR Laboratories’ most popular water tests. Calcium hypochlorite disinfection kits, approved for well disinfection by the FDA, are also available. Get your well water test started today!
