I've posted this here as well as on the diy forum because some of our exert Plumbers and Tradesmen frequent certain forums more than others.
A water test for a HIP report has revealed a failed drinking water test due to high coliform levels, saying this could either be from the household plumbing and dirty taps or the water supply pipe.
How do I pin-point the exact source of the contamination?
If it's from the supply pipe, is it the responsibility of myself, the propective house buyer, to pay for this to be put right (and if so how much would it cost?) or the responsibility of the water provider?
How do I know that the general water provision in the area doesn't have overly high levels of coliforms?
Also, would it be safe to use a washing machine, dishwasher, or have a bath until the contamination is sorted out?
I have had the exact problem on a drainage search for a HIP and it turned out that the result was in fact incorrect. Contact the utilities supplier and ask them for a full report and what they have done to correct it as I understand that this is very common.
I don't think so. From what they told me these tests are done externally and are done over a long period so the results may not even be current, bit baffling this one!
I have noticed this kind of thing too - but you usually find that it is one test in 60-100 that has failed and the other 59-99 are OK. It is also for an area - I'm not sure how big.
If the tests are somehow done centrally then the explanation about possible dirty taps doesn't make sense because I don't think they go into the particular house to do any tests!
May be there is someone out there who works for a water company and explain it all.
As a conveyancing solicitor I believe the information given in the post to be useful but I accept no liability except to fee-paying clients.
I dont work for a water company but I am a microbiologist by trade. Coliforms are not a very nice organisms, but dont worry too much about falling ill, they are very easily killed. Dont worry about bathing, dishwashers or washing machines, but if you want to reassure yourself boil water before drinking it. If there was any real problem, the water company would be obliged to tell you, or face prosecution.
Does it say on the HIP who did the test? As an earlier poster said, they are lots of false positives for this test, (as well as possible outside contamination issues.) I also recommend speaking to your water company who will come and take a sample and do a multitude of tests. It is likely that it is their fault!
I've spoken to the waterboard and it was retested with the results clear the second time.
When one sample out of many fail it can be worrying, and without further specific information being provided in the HIP pack, the generalised wording can make you think there is a problem with the actual property when there isn't.
