This is the nuclear option for your well—and it’s surprisingly simple. You pour a high dose of chlorine bleach directly into the well casing, circulate it through the plumbing, and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours. Then you flush everything out. It’s like giving your well a deep, deep bath with bleach. The chlorine kills bacteria on contact, but it’s temporary.
Here’s the ironic part: you’ll then need to test your water again to make sure you actually killed the problem. If the coliform comes back after shock chlorination (and it often does), it means the source of contamination is still there. That’s when you move to the next step.
Find the Leak, Don’t Just Mask the Stink
Coliform bacteria are masters of the “hide and seek” game. They usually enter through a crack in the well casing, a loose cap, or a damaged seal around the pipe. Check your well cap—is it intact? Is there a gap where bugs or rain can get in? A $20 well cap replacement can save you hundreds in treatment later. Yes, really.
How To Filter Coliform Bacteria In Well Water at Maureen Baker blog
Also, look at the ground around your well. Is it sloping toward the well head? Water pooling there? That’s like inviting bacteria to a pool party. Fix the grade, and you cut off their delivery route. Simple, right?
