What a Laboratory Test Report for Bacteria in Household Water Lists
Sample identification and date of collection
Every report includes the location of the sample (e.g., home tap) and when it was collected.
Type of bacteria tested
Common bacterial tests check for total coliforms and E. coli presence, indicating potential contamination.
Quantitative or presence/absence results
Results often state whether bacteria were detected, and sometimes provide counts, but do not specify risk alone.
Interpretation notes from the lab
Reports may include guidance on next steps but do not confirm system safety without further context.
How Treated Water Differs at the Tap with the Autotrol Bacteria & Coliform (Well) Filter
Reduction of bacterial counts in water supplied to the household
The Autotrol System uses specialized filtration technology to reduce bacteria that may originate from well water sources before water reaches taps.
Improved clarity and taste through bacterial control
By lowering bacterial presence, this treatment may also improve water's appearance and palatability.
Consistent water quality through mechanical filtration
This system is designed to operate continuously, maintaining treated water conditions as household consumption varies.
Why Aesthetic Secondary Standards Differ from Health-Based Limits for Bacteria
Secondary standards relate to taste, odor, and appearance, not safety
These standards guide water quality for comfort but do not indicate health risk from bacteria.
Health-based limits address potential for pathogens specifically
The EPA lists violations only when bacterial contamination poses a health risk, not when bacteria are merely detected.
New Orleans Carrollton Water Works System record shows one health-based violation
EPA data identifies a single health-based violation historically but no ongoing bacterial safety violations in the system serving Orleans Parish.
Household Fixtures and Appliances Most Affected by Bacteria
Faucets and showerheads
Bacterial growth can cause biofilms, leading to clogging or unpleasant deposits on these fixtures.
Water-using appliances
Dishwashers and washing machines may accumulate residue or require more frequent cleaning when bacteria are present.
Ice makers and water dispensers
Bacteria can affect taste and quality of ice and dispensed water if untreated.
What 'Detected', 'Median', and 'Range' Mean in the EPA Sampling Record
'Detected' means bacteria were measured by instruments
Detection does not equate to unsafe water; it simply reports presence as measured in samples.
'Median' shows the middle value among measured samples
This statistic represents typical bacterial levels but does not indicate extremes or risk alone.
'Range' indicates the spread between lowest and highest measurements
Understanding range helps identify variability but cannot confirm individual water quality.
What the Measured Range Means Against Federal Standards and What It Does Not Mean
Measurement above a secondary standard relates to aesthetics, not health
Levels above taste or odor thresholds do not imply safety issues but may affect water enjoyment.
Health-based violation recorded only when federal health standards are exceeded
The single health-based violation on record for this system was addressed and does not imply current health risk for households.
Individual household water quality requires specific testing
System-wide data cannot replace testing of a home’s actual water to know bacterial status accurately.
Summary: This page outlined the distinction between bacteria detected in Orleans Parish's public water system and individual household water quality. It explained how the Autotrol Bacteria & Coliform (Well) Filter helps reduce bacteria at the point of use and clarified the meaning of EPA sampling terms, secondary standards, and health-based violations for informed decision-making.
Where this information comes from
Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2025-12-31. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.
On record: EPA SDWIS record for NEW ORLEANS CARROLLTON WATER WORKS (LA1071009), surface water supply, serving 334903 people: 1 health-based violations of 6 total; lead 90th percentile 0.006 mg/L
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