What are E. Coli and Coliform Bacteria?
Escherichia coli , (more commonly known as E. coli ), is a common intestinal bacterium found in sewage along with other microorganisms. It is typically used as; • an indication of the amount of sewage present in water, and • as an indirect measure of the presence of other disease causing agents ( viruses, parasites, other bacteria) E. Coli was, until recently, thought as an excellent means for monitoring sewage as it is not found in the environment except in human and animal feces where it flourishes. Ed Singer of the CCHD, along with other water quality specialists, have now discovered that other species including earwigs, may infect water supplies with these microbes ( see below). Why should we be concerned about contaminated water supplies? Coliform bacterium themselves don’t cause disease ( unless you are exposed to a foreign strain, as when you visit other countries) .The presence of these bacteria in drinking water is the result of a problem with water treatment or pipes which di
