Not only can various water sources prove the ideal breeding ground for Legionella bacteria, but they can also be E.coli’s best friend should certain criteria be fulfilled. While fluctuating temperatures within stored water facilities offer legionella the best chances of survival (and subsequent proliferation if un-noted/treated), when it comes to E.coli getting a footing the preferred watery environs tend to be swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. And seeing that such places are where people tend to congregate for leisurely purposes, then that’s where the potential problems arise. With growing numbers of people either frequenting swimming pools and spa resorts, or investing in their own pleasurable intent much closer to home (i.e, acquiring hot tubs), then with it comes the increased risk of contamination from E.coli. This isn’t a given, of course, and when facilities both commercially and domestically are managed both routinely and thoroughly, then any problems should be kept to an absolute minimum, by and large. However dangers are clear and present, and need to be flagged up so we can all work together to ensure that harmful bacteria such as E.coli isn’t afforded the opportunity to rear its ugly head.

So, What is E.coli and What is its Relationship to Water?

E.coli (or to give it its full name, Escherichia Coli) is a coliform-based bacterium present in the faecal matter of many species, including mammals and birds as well as us humans. From time to time faecal matter can infiltrate water in public places via contaminated skin or indeed, from faecal materials produced by living organisms. Elsewhere E.coli can manifest in the event of contaminates being transferred to pools and hot tubs on footwear or leaf debris. Once it’s entered the host water and essentially contaminates supplies, then it isn’t long before infection can take hold in unsuspecting individuals who come into direct contact with the matter. Described as a ‘total coliform’, the presence of pathogenic organisms such as E.coli is easily identified under the correct clinical circumstances, and can be eliminated with relative ease once acknowledged, thanks to being sensitive to disinfection. Also worth noting that the recording of total coliforms in such scenario doesn’t necessarily rule in faecal contamination as such.

Without causing too much concern, swimming pools, spas and hot tub could harbour a raft of undesirable contaminants we’d be wise to avoid, together with E.coli and Legionella Pneumophila including pseudomonas aeruginosa, Total Viable Count (TVC), Mycobacteria Enterococci, Cryptosporidium & Giardia and ESKAPE pathogens. None of which are particular pleasant to find in such close proximity to us when our defences are down, yet nonetheless ones which need targeting and filtering out of the equation. Which is precisely where dedicated E.coli testing procedures and practices come in. Without wishing to dwell on it, signs and symptoms of E.coli exposure typically last from a few days to over a week in some cases, and include any of the following complaints from sufferers;

• Abdominal cramping
• Sudden, severe (and watery) diarrhoea that might appear as bloody stools shortly after
• Significant amount of gas/unexplained bloating
• Loss of appetite and/or nausea
• Vomiting (although uncommon)
• Fatigue
• Fever

If the E.coli infection is more severe then patients might experience bloody urine (or decreased urine output), pale complexion, bruising and signs of dehydration, and historically those with a compromised immune system are recognised as being more susceptible (pregnant women, young children and older adults for example are all at increased risk of complications developing.

Why do we need to test for E.coli?

Predominantly because it’s an unpleasant microorganism which can harvest all sorts of problems in humans if and when it enters our bodies as the most unwelcome of guests. Therefore by virtually eliminating its presence from the get-go has to be a priority for anyone tasked with the management of swimming pool and spas whereby the public gather to use the facilities, as well as owners of domestic hot tubs. The appropriate caretaking of pool water treatment starts with chemical and bacteriological testing, which offers peace of mind for end users, and protocol which should be rolled out on a regular basis thereafter. Such industry-certified testing methodology stands as a means of advanced warning in the fight against E.coli or any other contaminant detrimental to the health and wellbeing of those enjoying water-based activities which are championed through such equipment. Discrepancies or marked deterioration in water quality can be observed through a committed and rigorous E.coli testing procedure, and alert people to any imminent issues pretty much in situ.

Testing is performed via the water sampling of recreational waters (which along with spa pools, swimming pool and hot tubs include hydrotherapy pools too), which might or might not have been previously treated in the past. In terms of the latter think rivers, lakes and the sea, all of which could pose a threat if the conditions presented accordingly. It’s imperative that the appropriate water testing for E.coli can determine whether or not the contents are deemed safe to bathe/swim in, the clinical results of which can be achieved via tried and tested water sampling. With regards to the application and moreover, administering of testing, the means by which experts establish the quality of water comprise of a number of different methods, ranging from membrane filter and multiple tube fermentation to MPN and MMO-MUG practices. As and when the monitoring processes have been completed, statistical analysis can then highlight actual volumes of bacteria cells within the water source.

As with many waterborne contaminants, and as we mentioned earlier, one of the key factors which can play a pivotal role in E.coli taking hold in such situations is that of temperature consistencies. Like with Legionella bacteria, coliform un-pleasantries such as E.coli can put in an unwanted appearance (although conversely unseen) when continually heated water is set at between 30 – 40c, while the core components relating to transfer of contaminant once again centres on the dispersal of aerosols into the immediate environ of those using the water source to unwittingly inhale. Which galvanises the need for an absolutely zero tolerance approach to water testing for E.coli during the critical sampling process.