Coliform bacteria are a group of closely related
and generally harmless bacteria. Coliform bacteria include
bacteria that are found in the soil, in untreated
environmental water (rivers, ponds, lakes, etc.), and in
human and animal fecal material.
The presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water
indicate that other, disease-causing organisms may also be
present in the water. Organisms such as Salmonella,
Shigella, Cholera, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E. coli, and
Hepatitis virus are among this disease-causing group and
may be present when coliform bacteria are detected.
Fecal coliform bacteria represent a sub-group of coliform
bacteria. Fecal coliform is directly associated with
human and animal fecal material. These bacteria live in
the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals and their
presence in drinking water is a strong indication of
sewage contamination. Many types of bacteria, viruses, and
parasites that cause disease may be found in sewage.
