Fecal coliform

GENERAL INFORMATION
Fecal coliforms are bacteria that are associated with human or animal wastes. They usually live in human or animal intestinal tracts, and their presence in drinking water is a strong indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination.

HEALTH EFFECTS
Some short terms symptoms that may be caused by pathogens indicated by fecal coliforms are diarrhea, cramps, nausea and headaches.

Standard value 1: 
0.00
Standard units 1: 
MPN/100mL
Input units: 
CFU/100mL
MPN/100mL
Contaminant group: 
Microbiological
Action is recommended 1: 

MCL ADVISORY - ACTION IS REQUIRED
Fecal coliform levels were detected in your water sample to exceed the maximum contaminant level (MCL).

Major sources in drinking water: 
Human and animal fecal waste
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Prior to providing treatment options, the source of fecal coliform or E. coli contamination should be determined and the cause of the contamination removed. Once the contamination has been eliminated as a threat to the water supply, disinfection of the private water system should be performed and the water re-sampled. It is recommended that the water from a private water system be tested for total coliforms and E. coli periodically in order to determine the need for maintenance, repair, or replacement. When the presence of E. coli is recurrent, it is not recommended that continuous disinfection be used in place of removing of the cause of contamination or repairing or replacing the private water system.

Website resources: 

WEBSITE RESOURCES

Fact sheets: 

FACT SHEETS