Bacteria/Sewage Backup
Residential & commercial sewage & bacteria testing
in San Diego
Damage from flood water containing sewage and feces is a very common problem encountered by home owners and building managers. Environmental professionals are often called to address the problems. Sewage wastewater, if it contains fecal waste, may be contaminated with a wide variety of microbes, including viruses, parasites, bacteria, and yeasts. Many of these are pathogenic to humans. These microbes must be properly removed with sewage wastewater and the environment/materials must be disinfected with appropriate biocides.
In the event of sewage water, flood water or other degraded water contamination, cleanup, disinfection and testing are necessary to ensure that the cleanup and disinfection are successful and the living environment is free of contamination from sewage associated microbes. Standard for contaminated water remediation have been set in ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard. Sometimes, only cleaning is not enough!
Sewage backup could lead to sewage contamination of the occupied spaces. Exposure to sewage contamination increases the risk of contracting diseases of the digestive system and other related illnesses.
Sources of sewage contamination may include raw sewage backup, severe flooding and leaking sewer lines or septic tanks. To determine the potential health risks from sewage contamination swab samples could be collected and tested for total coliforms, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococcus.
Sampling for indicator organisms can be performed before and after clean up. Sampling after cleanup is recommended to determine if the cleanup was successful.
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
As mentioned above the E. coli belong to the fecal coliform group. Presence of E. coli is a reliable indication of fecal or sewage contamination.
Enterococcus
Enterococci are a subgroup within the fecal streptococcus group. Enterococci are typically more human-specific than the larger fecal streptococcus group. EPA recommends enterococci as the best indicator of health risk. They are rarer than the coliforms in the environment and are always present in the feces of warm-blooded animals.
Total Coliforms
Total coliforms are a group of related bacteria that are (with few exceptions) not harmful to humans. A variety of bacteria, parasites, and viruses, known as pathogens, can potentially cause health problems if humans ingest them. EPA considers total coliforms a useful indicator of other pathogens for drinking water.
On-Site Results
Rarefied Air Environmental has equipment that can act as a screening process for contaminants on surfaces or in water! The Hygiena® SystemSURE Plus® Luminometer is used in conjunction with Hygiena® Ultrasnaps (swabs) to detect the presence of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) which is found in organic matter and microorganisms. Certain levels can be used to measure the effectiveness of remediation activities. These levels also may be used to indicate whether certain water intrusion has even caused levels of concern with contaminants associated with black water losses.
Independent Laboratory Results
Confirmation swabs should also be collected and submitted to an independent and accredited laboratory. Samples are incubated for a period of 24 hrs. and will indicate the actual presence or absence of Total Coliforms, E. coli and Enterococcus.
-
Does flood water contain sewage?
Yes, flood water often contains sewage, especially in urban and residential areas where heavy rain can overwhelm sewer systems. When stormwater combines with raw sewage, it becomes “black water,” which carries harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. Even if the water looks clear, it can still be contaminated. Any items or surfaces that come into contact with flood water should be treated as potentially hazardous and cleaned or disposed of appropriately.
-
What happens if you are exposed to sewage water?
Exposure to sewage water can cause a range of health issues depending on the type and amount of contact. Short-term effects include skin rashes, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Inhaling airborne particles from dried sewage residue can also trigger respiratory problems. In severe cases, exposure can lead to infections that require medical treatment. Always wear protective gear and wash thoroughly after contact with flood or sewage water.
-
What disease can you get from water containing sewage?
Sewage-contaminated water can spread several dangerous illnesses, including:
- Hepatitis A – A viral infection affecting the liver
- Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection from animal urine present in sewage
- Gastroenteritis – Caused by bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella
- Cholera – Severe diarrhea and dehydration from Vibrio cholerae
- Giardiasis – A parasitic infection causing digestive issues
Because these diseases can develop quickly after exposure, medical attention is recommended if you experience fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or jaundice after contact with flood water.
-
How to detect sewage leaks?
Signs of a possible sewage leak include:
- Strong, unpleasant odors resembling rotten eggs
- Slow drains or frequent backups in sinks, toilets, or tubs
- Unexplained wet spots or pooling water in the yard, especially near sewer lines
- Mold growth or increased insect activity around damp areas
If you suspect a sewage leak, contact a licensed plumber or water damage specialist immediately. They can perform dye tests, camera inspections, or moisture mapping to confirm and locate the leak before it causes severe property damage or health hazards.