Coliforms

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Coliforms

Dear community,

I have three water mines in our property that accused positive for Coliforms (not allowed for drinking water, even if they were not fecal, though).


What is the most inexpensive and low energy, low maintenance option to treat the water, is a UV lamp the best solution or what other option would you advocate?

Many thanks and enjoy the holiday season!

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19 Answers

  1. Manuel

    The lowest secure cost method would be to filter the water through a CAFE Filter using AFM Grade 0.  The size and costs depend upon the desired flow rate. The use of UV works very effectively when the water is clear and clean.  If you are able to share more details regarding the water quality, volumes and output requirement I know we can resolve the issue.

    Please call when convenient.

     

    Regards

    Peter
    Peter Caswell
    Director
    Reparator Pty. Limited
    ABN 17 160 768 221

    PO Box 658 

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    Toowoomba Q 4350 Australia


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    Email:  peter.caswell@reparator.com.au

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  2. Manuel,



    UV seems to be the front runner. Would check with the manufacture if the iron content will be a problem.



    Didn't see Peracetic acid on anyone's list. May be worth looking into,strong oxidizer, short life in the system.

  3. Dear Manuel,

    If you are worry just about this microbiological parameter, then you can use many disinfection techniques as:

    1) UV: Just to be used for clear water. Water with some particulate material could not be used here. You must replace the lamps from some months to 1 year in most of the cases.

    2) Chlorine or chlorine compounds: depending the final use. You will need you buy the product.

    3) Ozone: I think the best option on long run, It will remove even the Giardia. But it will depend on the evaluation time of the proyect. It take the oxygen from the air (I could help with this kind of projects depending on the size of it).

    4) H2O2: very effective with most of the microrganisms. You will need you buy the product.

    5) Mixed technologies: I thik a very good could be O3 and H2O2, or O3 and chlorine compounds.

    Regards,

    Orlando D. Gutiérrez Coronado

    1 Comment

    1. Hi dear Orlando,

      Thank you for your useful reply. Options 1 seems to be the most cost-efficient and low maintenance of the ones you give.

      The water is clear and with only very residual particulates.

      Best wishes,

      Manuel

  5. Manual. I would go back to basics first. What is the ultimate use of the water? Why are coliforms not allowed if they are not of faecal origin? Where are they coming from? Are they actually of faecal origin (even though faecal coliforms have not been detected), for example from land run-off? Are they seasonal and associated with rainfall? Review the historic data. Can you prevent them getting into the mine by catchment control? Are they from incorrect water fittings allowing coliforms to grow? This can easily be resolved with the use of approved fittings.

    The level of treatment will depend upon the likelihood of future contamination and the risk to public health (if consumed). If this is high, then simple UV or chlorination will not be sufficient. If the quality of the source water does not change, and all you want to do is eliminate the coliforms, then UV is an easy and cost effective option. It has lower handling risk and easier maintenance compared with chlorine/hypochlorite. Chlorine will however give you a residual downstream, but this will only confirm that the water remains uncontaminated, it will not prevent contamination. Hope this helps.

    1 Comment

    1. Thanks for the reply. The pdf that I've attached is all the chemical info that I have. The mines are horizontal, one has 0.5 metres, another 5 metres and the longest one is 30 metres long. There is a 10 X 5 X 1.5 metre open tank and a tube goes from the middle water mine to another closed tank, 2 X 2 X 2 metres that is 70 metres away and near the houses. The water from the larger tank is for agricultural use, the smaller one for punctual human consumption and to fill the swimming pool.

      I will not use chlorination in water for human consumption. I assume that the coliforms come from the 70 metres pipe or from the mine itself, as the sample I took from the pipe before the smaller, closed tank.

      The water mine is not used most of the time and the local company water has low chlorine (except for their seasonal system maintenance), as this is a rural area with little industry or major pollution outlets.

      It is more of a safety option and something that I want to keep an eye on, since they've probably been made thousands of years ago.

      Thanks!

  6. We have anti bacterial candle for water purifier and technology certified by  following institute and accredited

    SHRIRAM, GEMI,CSIR,SGS,Sicart m-9824378971

  8. You don't tell us what the chemical components are, which is also important when considering what treatment to use.

     

    Answered on by

  10. The standard way to disinfect water is chlorination. Maybe a jar test is needed to determine the optimal dose.

    1 Comment

    1. I'd kindly advise you to go and learn the several safe, non-polluting, non-toxic, cheaper and more permanent methods that are both recent or that have been used for thousands of years... Thanks

  11. Manual, I suggest you read the enclosed file. It refers to drinking water but can easily be used in your application.

    Kind regards,

    Gino

  12. Thank you for the analysis sheet. I could use more information on your system.

    I have had good luck with chlorine bleach diluted in a 55 gal drum (2 gal bleach/ drum), Small chemical dose pump, and an electric outlet connected to the pressure pump motor starter, Inject the bleach solution prior to the system pressure tanks.

    This made it so the chlorine would only dose when new water was added to the system. The dilute bleach was less likely to gas off and air lock the chemical feed pump. The pressure tanks added contact time.

     

    Mark

    1 Comment

  14. Manuel, Apologies forgot to mention that chlorination should incorporate a contact tank downstream of the dose point to allow a residence time of say 30 mins where pathogen kill can occur. Nigel

  15. Hi Manuel, I notice that the turbidity is low and the pH is very low - so chlorine should be effective. UV could be used but has no residual for protection against downstream re-contamination if this is likely. Is the water acidic in terms of taste or attack on pipes/concrete? How many persons does the system supply?

    Nigel Heeler

    1 Comment

    1. Hi dear Nigel, thanks. The system is for up to 30 people usage, yet for on average 5 people. The water doesn't taste or feel acidic, and it is rather soft, so it doesn't attack much pipes or concrete. Best wishes

  16. Hi Manuel,

    There is no 'best' treatment method to remove coliforms.

    The selection will largely be made on your system and what else is in the water.

    UV irradiation is effective as a point disinfection method (it will kill the coliforms at THAT point) but will not persist throughout the system (if this is required). If your water contains BOD then there is the chance of regrowth downstream in the system. In this instance you might you need a disinfectant that provides a residual.

    Can you provide more information in regards to your application?

    Regards,

    Daniel

  19. Hi Manuel. I am not sure of your location and suggest that you consider some basic treatments that are low cost and low technology. If you have good sunshine and land available consider slow sand filters. You can find out more information easily about this. Hope you resolve the issue.

    1 Comment

    1. Hi, Manuel,

       

      this depends on what is your water chemicals analysis and what is the flow rate for this system

      fist thing you need to do chemical test for your water after this we can decide what is the best and economic method for disinfection

      best thing you can do compination you can use Chlorine dosing system and UV system this is the best thing for your problem

      Ibrahim