Total Coliform in Water
Total coliform counts give a general indication of the sanitary condition of a water supply.
Coliform organisms may gain access to water from many sources, among which are excretions from human beings, animals, amphibians and birds. Add to those, surface runoff and the multiplication of non-fecal forms (antrobactor, aerogens) on fibrous and vegetable substances in water.
The coliform group of organisms includes by definition “all aerobic and facultative, anaerobic, Gram negative, non-spore forming, rod shaped bacteria that ferment lactose with gas formation within 48 hours at 35° C”.
The coliform group embraces organisms of diverse origin among which the best known are:
(a) escherichia coli (E. coli) strains which are usually, but not always, of fecal origin, and
(b) intermediate and aerobacter aerogens strains which are usually, but not always of soil, vegetable or other non-fecal origin.
E. coli has been frequently proposed as a more specific and reliable indicator of fecal pollution than the broader coliform group.
Seasons of the year can be a major factor in the occurrence of coliforms in well water. Higher counts being reported for warmer months and lower counts for the colder months.
The percolation of polluted water through the soils and the likelihood that ground waters will become substantially infected are concerns.
The distance pollution travels from bored latrines to ground waters depends mainly on the velocity of the ground water flow. This distance varies with soil structure, gradient of the water table and other factors.
Most fish usually do not contain coliforms in their intestinal tracts unless they live in sewage contaminated waters.
More about Indicator Bacteria…
Fecal Coliform in Water
Fecal Streptococci in Water
Fecal Coliform/Fecal Streptococci Ratios in Water
Next Topics about Bacteria…
Significance of Bacteria in Water
Next Topics…
Algae
Fungi
Liverworts and Mosses
Vascular Plants
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Physical Water Quality
Chemical Water Quality
Biological Water Quality
Water Basics 101