Physical Symptoms of Coliform in Well Water

Coliform bacteria in well water indicate contamination from animal or human feces. When flooding causes surface water to enter the well or when well water suddenly becomes cloudy or changes color, taste or odor, you should test the water immediately. Well users should also watch for recurring physical symptoms of disease-causing bacteria in their well water, such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium or E. coli.

Stomach

• Coliform bacterial infections initially trigger bloating, abdominal pain and cramping. Nausea and upset stomach or vomiting often follow and may continue for several days. Loss of appetite is also common. Anyone experiencing prolonged stomach symptoms should seek medical attention.

Intestinal

• Coliform bacterial infections often initially trigger bouts of foul-smelling gas. Frequently, these infections cause diarrhea, which may be bloody and may continue for several days. Mild cases may not produce diarrhea, but may result in greasy, floating bowel movements. As with stomach symptoms, anyone experiencing prolonged stomach symptoms should seek medical attention, and anyone with bloody stools should seek help immediately.

Fever

• Coliform bacterial infections often do not produce a fever. Some bacterial infections, such as E. coli, may produce a low-grade fever of less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Lack of fever should not be a reason for delaying medical care.

Other Symptoms

• Coliform bacterial infections may also trigger chills, and so may be mistaken for food poisoning or flu. Vomiting and diarrhea may also result in dehydration. Additional, more rare symptoms include joint pain and swelling, hives and weight loss. Unexplained weight loss may be especially important for helping to recognize coliform infections that produce no other symptoms. Any family whose members experience unexplained weight loss should have its well water tested.