Contaminated drinking water can pose serious health risks. One key indicator of water contamination is the presence of enterococci bacteria.
In this post, we’ll explain why enterococci testing is so important for your safety and how it can help prevent waterborne illnesses in your home or business.
Table of Contents
What Are Enterococci?
Enterococci are bacteria often found in faecal matter. When found in drinking water, enterococci act as a “red flag,” indicating contamination. Their presence might also mean that other harmful bacteria or viruses are present. Some important facts about enterococci:
- Can live in different places: enterococci can survive in hot and cold temperatures. They can even live in taps and pipes, meaning they can be hard to get rid of.
- A wide family with one especially common species: enterococci is a family of bacteria, and Enterococcus faecalisis one of the most frequently detected species in contaminated water. It’s naturally present in the human and animal gut, but outside the body it can behave as an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it typically only causes illness once it reaches somewhere it shouldn’t (like a water supply, wound, or bloodstream).
- Health risks: enterococci are not always harmful. However, some strains, including E. faecalis, can lead to infections and health problems.
- Hard to kill with antibiotics: enterococci can survive in the presence of many common antibiotics. This makes them harder to treat if they cause an infection.
Why Test for Enterococci? Health Risks Explained
When enterococci are in water, they can lead to various health problems. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and new homeowners are particularly at risk. Enterococcal infections can happen if people drink, cook with, or wash in contaminated water. Common enterococci-related infections include:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): enterococci are a common cause of UTIs. Symptoms include a strong need to urinate, burning when urinating, and lower stomach pain. These infections are often hard to treat because enterococci resist many antibiotics.
Wound Infections: enterococci can infect cuts and scrapes. Symptoms of an infected wound include redness, swelling, pain, and pus. These infections can get worse if not treated.
Bacteraemia: this is when enterococci get into the bloodstream. This serious infection can cause fever, chills, nausea, and trouble breathing. It needs quick medical attention.
Endocarditis: this infection happens when bacteria spread to the heart’s inner lining. Symptoms include flu-like feelings, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Endocarditis often requires serious treatment.
How Does Enterococci Get Into Drinking Water? Sources & Regulations
Enterococci can get into water from several sources:
Animal Waste and Farm Runoff: when animal waste is not managed well, rain or irrigation can wash it into rivers, lakes, and streams that feed drinking water supplies.
Human Waste and Leaks: enterococci can enter water when septic systems leak, or when there is runoff from sewage or stormwater.
Natural Sources: enterococci can also come from soil, plants, and sand. Levels of these bacteria in water can change based on the weather and other local factors.
Contaminated Taps and Pipes: enterococci can survive in household pipes and taps, particularly in biofilm that builds up over time. This means it’s important to keep these areas clean, and why enterococci can sometimes reappear even after a supply has been treated.
Rules in Ireland are strict when it comes to enterococci contamination. Under the European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2023 (S.I. No. 99 of 2023), there can be 0 enterococci per 100 mL of water. In other words, any detection of enterococci in a drinking water sample is seen as an exceedance, and must be reported to the relevant authorities.
Southern Scientific’s Enterococci Testing
At Southern Scientific, we have over 30 years of experience testing water. Our services ensure your water is safe and meets current regulations. Our testing process is easy to use and reliable.
Our Testing Process:
Detection: We use advanced methods to detect even small amounts of enterococci.
Fast Results: Our testing is quick and gives you results as soon as possible.
Expert Guidance: we offer advice on where contamination may come from and how to keep water safe.
If our test shows enterococci in your water, acting quickly is important. You may need to fix septic leaks, manage farm runoff, or install a disinfection system. If you feel unwell after drinking water that could be contaminated, see a doctor right away.
Take Action for Safer Drinking Water Today
Ensuring the safety of your drinking water is vital for your family’s health. Compliance with essential water safety regulations is also key for businesses and public health bodies.
At Southern Scientific, we’re INAB-accredited to ISO 17025 and test over 10,000 drinking water samples each year, so you can be confident your results are accurate and reliable. Whether you need a one-off check for your home or ongoing monitoring for a larger operation, we can help:
- Concerned about enterococci specifically? Our Enterococci Testing service gives you a fast, accurate result.
- For homeowners: our Standard Drinking Water Test covers the core parameters, with enterococci available as an add-on for extra peace of mind.
- For larger properties, group schemes, or businesses: our Comprehensive Drinking Water Test offers a fuller picture of water quality.
