HPC Bacteria in South Palm Beach Florida Water

Unhealthy Levels of HPC Bacteria in the Water Supply of South Palm Beach Florida Homes

HPC bacteria are a broad collection of naturally occurring microbes that can appear in water and inside household plumbing; you may also see them called heterotrophic plate count, a laboratory method used to gauge general bacterial growth. Those test results don’t identify a single pathogen but can indicate conditions where bacteria are likely to multiply. Around South Palm Beach homeowners sometimes notice related signs such as musty smells, slippery residue, or faster biofilm buildup on faucet aerators and showerheads.

Heterotrophic plate count values tend to increase when water remains stagnant in pipes, when sediment or organic material is present for microbes to feed on, or when plumbing allows biofilm to form. Changes in taste or odor can accompany this type of general bacterial activity, particularly if organic matter is in the system. While many heterotrophic bacteria aren’t classified as disease-causing, elevated HPC bacteria suggest your water system could use attention. A whole-house solution treats the water as it enters South Palm Beach homes and helps limit conditions that allow regrowth inside plumbing and appliances.