Flood Water Testing

Bacterial contamination often cannot be detected using smell or sight, therefore testing the water is the best way to ensure it is safe. Although infection problems from flood water in the UK are rare, microbiological testing can present important findings.

It is recommended to test the water once the flood levels have receded and to repeat the tests 14 to 30 days later to ensure the water is still safe.

Type of bacteria which can be tested for in flood water:

• Coliform bacteria & E.coli – coliform are a group of bacteria which can get in your water from flood water, E.coli is a type of coliform bacteria of faecal origin –  both not be present in drinking water.
• Intestinal Streptococci – an additional indicator of faecal contamination in addition to E.coli

Find out more about Testing Water after heavy rain and flooding for harmful bacteria