Indicator Bacteria in Water

Indicator Bacteria in Water are most commonly used are for bacteria that are normally prevalent in the intestines and feces of warm-blooded animals, including wildlife, farm animals, pets, and humans.

Exposure to contaminated water for drinking, recreational as well as agricultural purposes such as crop irrigation and food processing can result in water‐related disease.

Waterborne pathogens and related diseases are a major public health concern.

Water intended for public use is examined for an indication of fecal contamination. When such indication is found, it is assumed that the water is potentially dangerous.

The direct search for the presence of a specific pathogen in water is time consuming and unwieldy for routine water quality control purposes.

The bacterial flora vary from one source of supply to another. Each individual supply is rated on the basis of frequent examinations and to suspect at once any deviation from the usual quality of that natural water supply.

End of Basic Indicator Bacteria in Water

More about Bacteria…
Significance of Bacteria in Water

More about Indicator Bacteria…
Total Coliform in Water
Fecal Coliform in Water
Fecal Streptococci in Water
Fecal Coliform/Fecal Streptococci Ratios in Water

Next Topics…
Algae
Fungi
Liverworts and Mosses
Vascular Plants

Go Back to:
Physical Water Quality
Chemical Water Quality
Biological Water Quality
Water Basics 101

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