The Relationship Between E. coli Indicator Bacteria in Well-water and Gastrointestinal Illnesses in Rural Families

Objectives: To determine the relationship between consumption of E. coli contaminated well-water and gastrointestinal illness in rural families.Methods: One hundred and eighty-one families with well-water as a drinking source participated in a one-year follow-up study. Water was tested for E. coli bacteria and health outcomes were monitored for household members.Results: E. coli in well-water was significantly associated with gastrointestinal …