If you’ve ever had your water tested, whether you’re on a private well or simply curious about what’s coming out of your tap, you’ve probably come across the term total coliform. For many homeowners, seeing “coliform detected” immediately raises alarm bells, and for good reason. Total coliform isn’t just another scientific term buried in a lab report, it’s one of the most important indicators of your water’s overall safety. 

These bacteria serve as early warning signs that your water system may be vulnerable to contamination from the environment, plumbing issues, or even disease-causing microorganisms. Understanding what total coliform is, why it shows up in water tests, and what it means for your home is essential to protecting your health, your family, and the integrity of your water supply.

Total coliform are a broad group of bacteria naturally found in soil, plants, and the digestive systems of humans and animals. They are not one single bacteria, but rather an entire family used as a warning indicator of the overall sanitary quality of your water.

Think of total coliform as the “smoke alarm” of water contamination, if they show up, something isn’t right. 

Why Do They Matter?

While most coliform bacteria are not harmful on their own, their presence in drinking water can signal:

• - A pathway for dangerous pathogens to enter your water (E. coli, viruses, parasites)

• - A failure in the well casing or well cap

• - Surface water intrusion after storms or flooding

• - Contamination from septic systems or animal waste

• - Poor sanitation in plumbing or holding tanks

Because of this, the EPA drinking water standard for total coliform is zero. That’s how strongly experts feel about preventing contamination.

If your water tests positive for total coliform, it usually means there’s a structural or sanitary issue in your well or plumbing system that needs attention. The well may require maintenance, such as repairing or replacing the well cap, sealing cracks, or fixing grading issues that allow surface water to seep in. In many cases, the plumbing system itself needs to be disinfected through shock chlorination, followed by flushing and retesting. But even after repairs, many homeowners continue to see intermittent contamination due to seasonal runoff, aging plumbing, or agricultural activity nearby. That’s why adding a long-term filtration solution is often the most reliable way to protect your home’s water supply on an everyday basis.

When it comes to removing coliform and other bacteria, not all filters are created equal. Epic Water Filters offers several systems independently tested to remove 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and cysts, providing real protection far beyond basic taste-and-odor filters. The Epic Nano XP pitcher and Pure XP pitcher use advanced nano-fiber technology to eliminate microbial contaminants while improving taste and clarity. 

For under the sink convenience at the tap, the Smart Shield and upgraded Smart Shield Max under-sink systems deliver continuous protection with robust filtration that captures bacteria, chemicals, and sediment before they reach your glass. Whether you need point-of-use protection or a daily filtration system your family can rely on, Epic Water Filters provides a trusted, independently tested solution designed to keep your water clean, safe, and worry-free, even if your well or plumbing lets you down.