Coliform samples should be taken from a well immediately after disinfection?

Coliform samples should not be taken from a well immediately after disinfection because the disinfection process may still be active and could lead to misleading results. Disinfection agents, like chlorine or other chemicals, are typically used to eliminate bacteria, including coliforms, but they can also interfere with the sampling and testing procedures.

To ensure accurate results, it is recommended to wait a designated amount of time after disinfection before collecting coliform samples. This waiting period allows the disinfectant to dissipate, which guarantees that the results reflect the true presence of bacteria in the water, rather than showing false negatives or positives due to residual disinfectant. Following proper sampling protocols, including the timing of tests, is essential for assessing water safety accurately.