Total Coliform Bacteria

Test for Total Coliform Bacteria in Drinking Water What is coliform bacteria? Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment and used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, bacteria may be present. Coliforms found in drinking water is a warning of a potential problem. E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that water may be contaminated by human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms.  They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems. The test for Total Coliform Bacteria will identify the presence or absence of E, coli. What are the health effects of coliform bacteria? Most coliform bacteria do not cause illness. However, their presence in a water system is a public health concern because of the potential for disease-causing strains of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa to also be present