Total Coliform

 Total coliform bacteria surrounds us and our environment. TC's are in our soil and vegetation throughout our environment and are typically harmless. 

Total coliform bacteria in drinking water typically doesn’t have a health risk associated with it and if water testing only detects it, the source is probably environmental and not fecal contamination. 

Total coliform bacteria is often considered an indicator there may be something more serious contaminating a drinking water system, specifically E. coli bacteria. Total coliform bacteria are colorless, odorless, and tasteless and the only way it can be detected in drinking water is through submitting a sample for laboratory testing. 

In drinking water total coliform testing can be used to monitor the effectiveness of the disinfection processes. Coliforms present in drinking water indicate there could be pathogens present in the water that cause serious diseases.

Total coliforms can enter the water through environmental contamination such as waste from mammals or birds, agricultural runoff, and untreated human sewage.

The WHO state that total coliform bacteria must not be detectable in any 100 mL sample of water. Similarly, the DWI state total coliform bacteria should not be detectable in any 100 mL sample of water taken at consumers’ taps.

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