Fecal coliform bacteria are found in the feces of humans and other warm blooded animals. Fecal coliform bacteria enter water systems directly from mammals and birds, from agricultural and storm runoff carrying human and animal wastes, and from septic systems or combined sewer overflows.
Fecal Coliform Bacteria and Pathogens
Fecal coliform bacteria occur naturally in the human digestive tract assisting in the digestion of food. Coliform bacteria are not considered pathogens. However, there are some strains that are opportunistic pathogens, which means they may cause disease among people whose general natural defense mechanisms are impaired. In a water system with a high fecal coliform bacteria count, there is a greater chance that pathogenic organisms are present. Since pathogens are difficult to detect in water, and a correlation exist between the presence of fecal coliform bacteria and the presence of pathogens, fecal coliform levels are monitored instead.
Pathogenic diseases and illnesses encountered when fecal coliform bacteria levels are high may include typhoid fever, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, dysentery, and ear infections. Pathogenic organisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Coliform bacteria are virtually everywhere in the environment. Their presence does not necessarily indicate contamination by human or animal waste or pathogens. However, all water systems should be free of all fecal coliform to be considered safe for drinking water purposes.
