Irrigation

Machine used for Microbial Quality testing

Microbial quality testing

Microbial Water Quality Testing (continued)

 

Water sources typically used for irrigation could include:

Photo of water flowing out of a pipeGround Water:
Source of water from beneath the Earth’s surface;
a Well or Aquifer.

Photo of a streamSurface Water:
Source of water that is exposed to the environment;
Streams, Rivers, Lakes, Ponds

Photo of cistern of waterCistern Water:
cisterns hold rainwater collected from roofs of
houses, barns, high tunnels, greenhouses, etc.

Photo of a water towerMunicipal Water: 
Public tap water treated and managed
by local water utility.

 

What do we test for and how do we do it?

  • We test for the sanitary quality of water, which is defined by the following:
  • Presence and enumeration of total Coliform bacteria in the water sample.
  • Presence and enumeration of total generic coli in the water sample as they are considered to be

the best indicator of fecal contamination and pathogens. 

Person holding water testing equipmentPresence Of Coliforms Is Indicated
By Yellow Coloration

Gives a general indication of the sanitary
condition of the water.

Closeup view of water testing equipmentPresence of E. coli Is Indicated
By The Blue Fluorescence:

Indicates of the coliforms present,
how many are E. coli.