Bacteria in Water Testing (E. coli & Total Coliforms)
We test for E. coli and total coliforms in drinking water systems, ensuring your water is safe, compliant, and free from microbial threats.
We test for E. coli and total coliforms in drinking water systems, ensuring your water is safe, compliant, and free from microbial threats.
Testing for E. coli and total coliforms in water is one of the most critical steps in maintaining a safe, compliant, and healthy water supply. These bacteria are indicators of fecal contamination and can point to the possible presence of disease-causing organisms like Giardia, Cryptosporidium, or Norovirus.
Even in water that looks, smells, and tastes clean, harmful bacteria can exist. That’s why regular bacterial testing is essential—especially for private wells, non-municipal water systems, and any facilities serving vulnerable populations like children, seniors, or patients.
In Ontario, the presence of E. coli or total coliforms automatically makes a water source unsafe for consumption, requiring immediate corrective action. As per Ontario Regulation 319/08, facilities such as schools, daycares, healthcare centers, and seasonal lodges operating on private or small water systems must test their water on a quarterly basis, at minimum.
Canadian Water Compliance offers fully certified bacteria testing services—including on-site sampling, lab analysis, and easy-to-understand reporting—to help you identify issues early and take action fast. Whether you’re a building manager, property owner, or facility operator, routine testing for bacteria keeps your water safe, your operations compliant, and your liability protected.
Coliforms are a group of bacteria naturally present in the environment. However, their presence in your water—especially E. coli, which comes from fecal matter—signals a serious contamination issue and a direct threat to human health.
Health Risks: Consuming or using contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illnesses, infections, and in some cases, severe outcomes in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
What Does a Positive Test Mean?: A positive result may indicate a compromised well, broken pipes, poor disinfection, or septic system failure. Immediate action is required to locate and eliminate the source.
We help identify the cause and provide you with clear, expert guidance on what steps to take next.
Ontario Regulation 319/08 mandates routine microbiological testing for certain drinking water systems, particularly for:
- Schools, daycares, camps, and health care facilities on private systems
- Small non-municipal and semi-public water supplies
- Seasonal or rural accommodations (lodges, resorts, etc.)
Failure to meet these requirements can result in:
- Closure orders
- Fines and citations from public health authorities
- Legal liability in the event of an outbreak
Municipal and health unit guidelines also recommend routine monitoring of private wells, especially following heavy rainfall, flooding, or seasonal changes.
We provide full-service compliance support, including lab documentation, testing logs, and follow-up testing if required.
Our bacteria testing service is fully certified and designed for simplicity, speed, and regulatory accuracy. Whether you're maintaining a facility, operating a rural water system, or testing a private well, we handle everything:
- Certified Technician Sampling – We collect samples in sterilized containers using MECP-compliant procedures
- Accredited Laboratory Analysis – Water samples are analyzed for E. coli and total coliforms by an accredited Ontario laboratory
- Clear, Actionable Reporting – We deliver results with context, interpretation, and next steps—including re-testing and disinfection recommendations, if needed
Avoid risk and maintain trust—routine testing is your best defense against contamination issues.
Serving across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, London, Kitchener, Niagara, St. Catharines, Guelph, Waterloo, Collingwood, Barrie, Wasaga Beach, Midland, Huntsville, Gravenhurst, Minden, Oshawa, Peterborough, Kingston, Ottawa, Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Burlington, Etobicoke, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Caledon, Milton, Hamilton, Oakville and the surrounding areas.