Bacteria In Tulsa Water: From Coliform Bacteria to Algae Blooms, Should You Be Concerned?

Bacteria is present in nearly all freshwater sources. Tulsa is no exception. But is this a concern for your drinking water? Whether you have a private well or spring, or municipal water, most of these contaminants are successfully eliminated and disinfected using chlorination, chloramines or UV treatment.

The bacteria that lives in Tulsa isn’t always the type of bacteria that is discussed when it comes to infiltrating your water system. But they all significant impacts and pose health risks. However, a number of issues can arise that allow bacteria and viruses to infiltrate your water supply, including runoff, septic systems, animals and poor well/spring construction. Additionally, algae blooms can cause other tap water issues unrelated to bacteria.

The four major concerns when it comes to Tulsa bacteria are:

We will explore all of them, which ones are a concern in your drinking water, and which are not.

While some of the common bacteria can be treated by boiling water, like giardia and cryptosporidium, others are more difficult to eliminate from drinking water. In those cases, you’ll want to be sure you’re treating water with a reverse osmosis filtration system to effectively remove problematic bacteria.

To protect yourself and your family from bacteria found in tap water, there are several options to choose from —whether you want filtration just at the kitchen sink, or a whole house of filtered water free from bacteria.

The type of treatment you need can depend on a variety of factors. Another common form of disinfection technology is UV. Culligan’s UV Disinfection System within its whole home UV water purification solution can be added to your filter or softener to eliminate 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, mold and other waterborne contaminants such as protozoa.

When it comes to protecting your home from bacteria, viruses, and other microbial contaminants, Tulsa Culligan offers solutions that go beyond basic filtration. Our advanced reverse osmosis systems and UV disinfection technology are engineered to eliminate up to 99.99% of bacteria, including coliform, E. coli, and protozoa like giardia. Whether you rely on city water or a private well, Culligan’s tailored water treatment options give you the confidence of cleaner, safer water, backed by expert testing, installation, and service from your local Tulsa-area team.

Coliform bacteria are a group of microorganisms commonly found in the environment, including soil, vegetation, and the intestinal tracts of animals. In the context of water quality, they are crucial indicators. Their presence in water bodies, such as Tulsa, often signals contamination and the potential presence of harmful pathogens. Tulsa, a large natural harbor and estuary along the Gulf of Mexico, is not just a recreational and aesthetic asset but also an ecological cornerstone.

In September 2023, two beaches were closed because of fecal matter in the water and bacteria risk. However, this was never an issue with the local drinking water.

Coliform bacteria is most likely found in rural farming areas, as bacteria commonly found in soil, plants, and animals.

One of the primary sources of coliform bacteria in Tulsa is urban runoff. Heavy rains can wash contaminants from urban areas into the bay, including bacteria from pet waste and leaky sewage systems. Occasional sewage spills exacerbate this problem, leading to higher levels of bacterial contamination.

Agricultural activities in the Tulsa watershed also contribute to the presence of coliform bacteria. Runoff from farms, carrying manure and other waste, can introduce these bacteria into the water system. Furthermore, natural sources, such as wildlife, are also contributors, although their impact is typically less significant compared to human activities.

Turbidity is the apt descriptor of cloudy water with suspended solids. While the water itself is not harmful to humans, the suspended solids can act as an impediment to the disinfection process and provide an ideal environment for microbial growth.

The best way to tell if there is bacteria in your water is always to have it tested, although there are signs to recognize if you suspect you might have a problem with your water:

Even if your water shows no outward signs of contamination, make it a habit to test your water at least once a year. If you use well water, test it biannually to ensure your supply is safe. You should also schedule a water test any time you do septic repairs or upgrades.

It wouldn’t be unprecedented to have a water issue with coronavirus — albeit these problems are typically not related to drinking water. The last major coronavirus outbreak, SARS, was found to be living in contaminated raw sewage for 2 to 14 days.

But the CDC, WHO and EPA cite traditional water treatment methods as a way to get rid of any coronavirus concerns. This would include: