microorganisms

(Rush University Medical Center) Gastroenterologists at Rush University Medical Center are working on a new research study funded by the US Department of Defense to chart the presence of microorganisms found within the gut and to explore how microbial imbalances may impact diseases like breast cancer.

Private well water should be tested yearly, and in some cases more often. The recommendations call for annual well testing, especially for nitrate and microorganisms such as coliform bacteria, which can indicate that sewage has contaminated the well.

The recommendations point out circumstances when additional testing should occur, including testing when there is a new infant in the house or if the well is subjected to structural damage.