Microorganisms in Private Water Wells

Microorganisms in drinking water are responsible for most waterborne disease outbreaks. They are the most common disease-causing contaminant in private well water. Organisms known to cause disease include bacteria, protozoa, and viruses; some algae and helminths (worms) may also be capable of producing disease. These disease-causing organisms thrive in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. They are transmitted to drinking water if the feces of an animal contaminates a water supply that does not have suitable disinfection.