Coliform bacteria are found in all the human and animal fecal matter. Since they are already present in our digestive tract hence, are unlikely to cause illness to all. However, there are few strains of E.coli that cause serious diseases. The coliforms are used as an indicator for fecal matter in drinking water. Their presence in drinking water indicates the presence of pathogens in it. The pathogens which cause water-borne diseases includes bacteria, viruses, protozoa and some parasitic worms.
Coliforms are gram negative bacteria and are rod in shape. They are also present in all warm blooded animals, soil and vegetation ,and aquatic environment. Most contaminants in water come from the fecal discharge of humans and animals.
There are three testing groups that suggest coliforms contamination in water. Each group defines the extent of contamination -
Testing for individual pathogens are costly and tedious process therefore, coliforms are used as indicator for water quality analysis. Testing for total coliform and E.coli are reliable ways of knowing whether our drinking water is safe or not. Summers are the best time to test for them as they are more likely to spread in hot and humid environment.
Be sure of the presence or absence of coliform in water as they can inform you to prevent water-borne disease. Drink safe , stay safe!
Coliforms are gram negative bacteria and are rod in shape. They are also present in all warm blooded animals, soil and vegetation ,and aquatic environment. Most contaminants in water come from the fecal discharge of humans and animals.
There are three testing groups that suggest coliforms contamination in water. Each group defines the extent of contamination -
- Total Coliform : are very common in soil and vegetation, aquatic and animal environment and are not harmful. If the laboratory detects total coliform in drinking water then the water is may be polluted or these coliforms may enter from the local environment into the water. Hence, the source of coliform bacteria is unknown.
- Fecal Coliform Bacteria : One of the branch for total coliform bacteria is fecal coliform. These are found in the feces of humans and animals which when present in drinking water indicates the recent contamination of water with fecal matter. This shows greater risk of pathogens in the water we drink.
- Escherichia Coli : Fecal coliform is further divided to E.coli subgroup which confirms the presence of fecal contamination in drinking water. Since, E.coli is not found dividing and growing in the environment hence, it the best indicator for pathogens.
Testing for individual pathogens are costly and tedious process therefore, coliforms are used as indicator for water quality analysis. Testing for total coliform and E.coli are reliable ways of knowing whether our drinking water is safe or not. Summers are the best time to test for them as they are more likely to spread in hot and humid environment.
Be sure of the presence or absence of coliform in water as they can inform you to prevent water-borne disease. Drink safe , stay safe!