The soil-climate environment is hostile to such microorganisms. Also bacteria can be transported by water moving through soil. Microorganisms seldom seep to groundwater from land-applied manure, properly functioning lagoons, or earthen manure storages. However, they remain a threat where they can pass through a shallow layer of coarse sand to fractured rock. Fecal coliforms are a problem to human drinking water if the bacteria are in high concentration.
Manure is a potential contaminant of domestic wells.
Fecal bacteria can infiltrate wells when the manure management system and domestic well are not properly maintained. The first barrier to safeguard drinking water is to implement a herd health program that focuses on keeping cows and youngstock healthy. In addition to preventing disease, this includes isolating and treating infected animals. The second barrier is to reduce the likelihood that pathogens leave the farm. Keep manure on concrete areas and control the runoff flow by constructing curbs.