Total coliform bacteria are a collection of relatively harmless microorganisms that live in large numbers in the intestines of humans as well as warm- and cold-blooded animals. They aid in the digestion of food.

A specific subgroup of this collection is the faecal Coliform bacteria, the most common member being Escherichia coli. These can grow at elevated temperatures and are associated only with the faecal matter of warm-blooded animals.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT :

The presence of faecal coliform bacteria in aquatic environments indicates that the water has been contaminated with the faecal matter of man or animal. This indicates that the source water may have been contaminated by pathogens or disease producing bacteria or viruses.

Waterborne pathogenic diseases include typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis and hepatitis. The presence of these is an indicator that a potential health exists for individuals exposed to to this water.

FAECAL COLIFORM BACTERIA MAY OCCUR IN AMBIENT WATER AS A RESULT OF THE OVERFLOW OF DOMESTIC SEWAGE OR NONPOINT SOURCES OF HUMAN AND ANIMAL WASTE.

If you are in any doubt about the safety of your water please contact us for a quotation for a microbiological analysis.