Atypical Bacteria in water samples
Hi everyone,
we use municipal water in our production for cleaning and drinking (no water in recipe). I just informed that water samples result for atypical bacteria is above the limit (more than 200/100ml) so total coliforms cannot be numerated. I sent around 30 samples to lab and only 5 samples are above the limit. Do you have any idea what could be the possibility contamination? If the faucet is old, is there a possibility to get positive reading?
what location or part of the plant are those 5 from?
did you run the water for 60 seconds before sampling
did you wipe the faucets with an alcohol wipe prior to sampling
did the cup or lid touch anything
and may i ask why you sent so many? Usually potable water is a twice/yr or quarterly when not used in the product, always the main line, and then 4 points from within the plant on a rotation
Main wash sink that we wash utensils, hand wash stations, mixing room sink that wash the equipment. The QA Tech who took the samples run the water for 30 sec, but he did not wipe with alcohol. would you think that tip of the faucets might be contaminated?
I take samples twice annually, but each time samples taken from all facets/area (cafeteria, all hand wash stations, all places that we wash utensils/equipment) in the site.
Also, we test water samples for Atypical bacteria, E.Coli and Total Coliforms. I was reading Health Canada Microbiological guideline, it was not mentioned anywhere about Atypical bacteria, why do we need to test for Atypical bacteria?
Like Scampi mentioned, I'm sending 4 samples in rotation monthly, but also - a sample from Plate cooler heat exchanger, weekly (we run some products through the plates, so that's kind of CFIA requirement). RE: your issue, make sure your taps are clean - otherwise, your samples will be compromised.
It really sounds like the samples got contaminated---i would just repeat the sampling, but ensure hands are sanitized , taps are wiped and water is left running for at least 60 seconds prior to sampling
all it takes is one small touch and your sample is compromised.
I wouldn't assume the taps are contaminated, I would assume the samples were compromised----- I would suggest you take the tech with you and retrain for the second set.
If those come back high, then you need to flush those lines and try again
I would just drop the atypical testing-----------can't imagine there is any value to it
everywhere i have ever worked, samples are just checked against the national standard for drinking water, which IMHO is all you should be doing as well
it reads like your predecessor perhaps didn't understand the actual requirement and went way way overboard. scale it back to what you actually need, which is the national drinking water standard
It really sounds like the samples got contaminated---i would just repeat the sampling, but ensure hands are sanitized , taps are wiped and water is left running for at least 60 seconds prior to sampling
all it takes is one small touch and your sample is compromised.
I wouldn't assume the taps are contaminated, I would assume the samples were compromised----- I would suggest you take the tech with you and retrain for the second set.
If those come back high, then you need to flush those lines and try again
I would just drop the atypical testing-----------can't imagine there is any value to it
everywhere i have ever worked, samples are just checked against the national standard for drinking water, which IMHO is all you should be doing as well
it reads like your predecessor perhaps didn't understand the actual requirement and went way way overboard. scale it back to what you actually need, which is the national drinking water standard
I really appreciate your comments. what criteria do you test for water? which standard are you referring to?
We send our water out and there is a tick box for the drinking water standards
https://ncceh.ca/env...-and-governance
The link will show you each province and territory, but probably the fastest thing to do is call the lab you use! they can send you the info for the standard they use
Hi everyone,
we use municipal water in our production for cleaning and drinking (no water in recipe). I just informed that water samples result for atypical bacteria is above the limit (more than 200/100ml) so total coliforms cannot be numerated. I sent around 30 samples to lab and only 5 samples are above the limit. Do you have any idea what could be the possibility contamination? If the faucet is old, is there a possibility to get positive reading?
Hi Tresa,
Can you inform the actual results above 200cfu/100ml ?
eg 210 is not quite the same as 2010.
It sounds like yr water is totally unchorinated ??
Our plumber (and I in a previous position) always ensure the tap is sterile by using a torch for a few seconds to heat it. Then let the water run for 30-60 seconds and take your sample.
Our plumber (and I in a previous position) always ensure the tap is sterile by using a torch for a few seconds to heat it. Then let the water run for 30-60 seconds and take your sample.
Wow, that's rough! Never thought of such an option, wish I could have my own tiny portable torch...
Wow, that's rough! Never thought of such an option, wish I could have my own tiny portable torch
And why can't you? Go to any decent kitchen supply store and get a creme brulee torch. (I have one at my house)
Hi Tresa,
Can you inform the actual results above 200cfu/100ml ?
eg 210 is not quite the same as 2010.
It sounds like yr water is totally unchorinated ??
I was told that they can not tell exact count, just told > 200 cfu/100ml unfortunately.
I was told that they can not tell exact count, just told > 200 cfu/100ml unfortunately.
Hi Tresa,
Somewhere your control system is badly screwed up. !
I suggest you check the free chlorine level at distribution points. (Assuming Canada do chlorinate the public water supply ?)
Hi Tresa,
Somewhere your control system is badly screwed up. !
I suggest you check the free chlorine level at distribution points. (Assuming Canada do chlorinate the public water supply ?)
Yes, Canada adds Chlorine as part of the drinking water treatment process
How could I check the free chlorine level?
Tresa
Just repeat your sampling and see what comes back before you do anything else, the main line coming into the building and 3-4 more random locations, and have the lab test it against the standard that is used in your province (they are not all identical, but very close)
Use the lab as a resource, send you samples, wait and see what comes back, then take next steps if required.