When is bacteria testing worth doing?

Most often after a sewage backup, overflow or flood water event, and when documentation is needed for an insurer, tenant or contractor.

Which organisms are analysed?

Commonly E. coli, enterococcus and total coliforms, which are used as indicator organisms for sewage contamination.

Can testing tell me if someone will get sick?

No. Testing documents what was detected in the samples collected. Health questions belong with a medical professional; the CDC publishes general guidance on flood and sewage cleanup at cdc.gov.

Do you clean up the contamination?

No. S&J Environmental provides testing, reporting and recommendations. Cleanup is carried out by a restoration contractor.

Water-damaged flooring removed in a bathroom after a plumbing overflow

Environmental Testing

Bacteria Testing

After a sewage backup, documentation matters as much as cleanup.

Call (805) 248-3155 Request testing

What bacteria testing involves

Sewage backups, drain overflows and category three water losses can leave contamination in materials that look dry. Testing gives you and your contractor documented information about what was present and where.

S&J Environmental collects samples from the affected areas and submits them to a laboratory for analysis, commonly for E. coli, enterococcus and total coliforms. We report what the laboratory found. We do not diagnose illness or provide medical advice.

Service scope

What we do on a bacteria project

Sample collection

Water and surface samples taken from the affected areas, including locations the loss is likely to have reached.

Laboratory analysis

Samples analysed for indicator organisms such as E. coli, enterococcus and total coliforms.

Written findings

A report of what was detected, by sample location, in language you can share with your contractor or insurer.

Practical recommendations

Discussion of what the findings suggest for cleaning scope and for any follow-up sampling.

When to call

Reasons people request bacteria testing

A sewer line backed up into the building, or a toilet or drain overflowed.
Flood water or water of unknown origin entered occupied space.
A tenant, insurer or contractor needs documentation of conditions.
You want post-cleaning sampling to document the state of the area after work.

How it works

From questions to clarity

Tell us what happened

Describe the loss, when it happened and which areas were affected.

On-site sampling

We collect samples from the affected surfaces and water where appropriate.

Laboratory analysis

Samples are submitted for bacterial analysis. Turnaround is commonly in the range of 48 to 72 hours.

Review the findings

We provide the report and discuss the results in the context of your cleanup plan.

Where we work

S&J Environmental is based in Camarillo and serves residential and commercial properties across three Southern California counties.

FAQs