08/23/2026
Failed a Water Test? Doesn't necessarily mean your well is done — It might just need a professional Clean-Out! 🚰💧
Getting a lab report back with a positive hit for coliforms or E. coli can cause instant panic. A lot of homeowners assume a failed water test means their well is shot and that they’re looking at drilling a brand-new one.
Here’s the reality: A bad water test rarely means your well has reached the end of its life. Most of the time, it just means your well is due for routine maintenance and a thorough professional cleaning.
Why Do Good Wells Fail Water Tests?
Over years of continuous operation, your well casing and intake screens naturally accumulate mineral scale, iron bio-film, and organic buildup.
Bio-film Build-Up: Bacteria thrive inside these slimy layers along the casing walls, where standard water flow can't wash them away.
Surface Ingress: Heavy heavy rains, spring thaws, or minor surface runoff can carry bacteria down into the casing if the seal or cap is compromised.
Sediment Accumulation: Sand, silt, and rust settle at the bottom of the borehole, creating a breeding ground for bacteria right around your pump intake.
This customer had crystal clear water but the water test was not acceptable, here's the results after being disinfected.
Have a bad water test and unsure what to do? Give us a call! As always, we're happy to help!
Durham Well Drilling
📞 519-369-3344
🌐 durhamdrilling.ca
✉️ [email protected]
