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All homes in the Bay area have living micro-organisms present because Chloramines are not effective at disinfection.
The most basic test for bacterial contamination of a water supply is the test for total coli form bacteria. Total coliform counts give a general indication of the sanitary condition of a water supply. |
ARE COLIFORM BACTERIA HARMFUL?
Most Coliform Bacteria are harmless never-the-less they are a broad class of “indicator bacteria” because they indicate the presence disease causing or harmful organisms, known as pathogens. Sometimes they indicate the presence of fecal matter or sewage. It is the disease causing pathogens that we are weary of.
Most Coliform Bacteria are harmless never-the-less they are a broad class of “indicator bacteria” because they indicate the presence disease causing or harmful organisms, known as pathogens. Sometimes they indicate the presence of fecal matter or sewage. It is the disease causing pathogens that we are weary of.
- Bacteria that cause Diarrhea and vomiting, and
- Viruses that cause polio and hepatitis, and
- Protozoa that cause dysentery, and
- Helminths, such as tapeworms or roundworms that cause chronic diarrhea
- Total coliforms include bacteria that are found in the soil, in water that has been influenced by surface water, and in human or animal waste.
- Fecal coliforms are the group of the total coliforms that are considered to be present specifically in the gut and feces of warm-blooded animals. Because the origins of fecal coliforms are more specific than the origins of the more general total coliform group of bacteria, fecal coliforms are considered a more accurate indication of animal or human waste than the total coliforms.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the major species in the fecal coliform group. Of the five general groups of bacteria that comprise the total coliforms, only E. coli is generally not found growing and reproducing in the environment. Consequently, E. coli is considered to be the species of coliform bacteria that is the best indicator of fecal pollution and the possible presence of pathogens.
WHY “INDICATOR” ORGANISMS?
The analysis of drinking water for coliforms is relatively simple, economical and efficient. To actually test water for specific harmful viruses, protozoa and bacteria is very time consuming and expensive
“INDICATOR” ORGANISMS
Water pollution caused by fecal contamination is a serious problem due to the potential for contracting diseases from pathogens (disease causing organisms). Frequently, concentrations of pathogens from fecal contamination are small, and the number of different possible pathogens is large. As a result, it is not practical to test for pathogens in every water sample collected. Instead, the presence of pathogens is determined with indirect evidence by testing for an “indicator” organism such as coliform bacteria. Coliforms come from the same sources as pathogenic organisms. Coliforms are relatively easy to identify, are usually present in larger numbers than more dangerous pathogens, and respond to the environment, wastewater treatment, and water treatment similarly to many pathogens. As a result, testing for coliform bacteria can be a reasonable indication of whether other pathogenic bacteria are present.
THE PRESENCE OF COLIFORMS IN DRINKING WATER INDICATES POSSIBLE CONTAMINATION AND POTENTIAL HEALTH RISK.
- IF you think you have been effected by Coliforms please see your Doctor! It is helpful to have your water tested and provide the results to the doctor as well.
The reference guide lets you look at how the EPA regulates coliform bacteria. This information is important because some of the coliform bacteria potential to cause serious health effects.
