Best method to treat coliform or e-coli bacteria

by Subin
(India)

Hi Nancy, can you tell me the best method to remove e-coli or coliform bacteria?

ANSWER:

Subin, I am not sure if you are asking what is the best method of treating a person who is infected with E. coli or coliform OR if you are asking the best method of removing e-coli from drinking water.

I will assume you are asking how to remove coliform and E. coli from water.

Most coliform bacteria are a normal part of the environment. They do not cause illness but when found in your water, it is an indication that that your water might be contaminated by feces or soil.

E.coli is one of the types of coliform bacteria.

Hundreds of strains of E. coli live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. However, one of the rare strains, E. coli O157:H7, is very toxic and can cause severe illness. Other types of E. coli might also cause some intestinal discomfort.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there currently is no water filter that is certified to remove E. coli.

So how do you remove E. coli, specifically E. coli O157:H7, from your drinking water?

According to the CDC:

"To kill or inactivate E. coli 0157:H7, bring your water to a rolling boil for one minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for three minutes). Water should then be allowed to cool, stored in a clean sanitized container with a tight cover, and refrigerated. Currently, there is no filter certified to remove bacteria from water. This issue is being studied."

Nancy Hearn