According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the water people consume--including bottled water--can realistically be expected to contain at least a slight amount of certain contaminants. The EPA is in charge of setting standards for about 90 drinking water germs, many of which do not necessarily create a health hazard.
The federal Safe Drinking Water Act requires that public water systems notify its customers if the water supply is deemed unhealthy. Water is frequently tested for coliform bacteria.
Coliform Bacteria
Coliforms are ever-present bacteria in the digestive tracts of humans and other animals, as well as in plant and soil material. Generally speaking, coliforms are harmless. When the bacteria exist in drinking water, it's probably the result of a dysfunction in the treatment system or in the pipes that dispense the water.
Microbes (a mostly unseen world of living things that support life processes) in these wastes can cause short-term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. Total coliform, fecal coliform and E. coli are all markers of drinking water quality.
Total Coliform Bacteria
The total coliform group is a large collection of different kinds of generally harmless bacteria typically found in the environment. If strictly total coliform bacteria are detected in drinking water, the source is probably environmental. Fecal contamination is not likely. However, if environmental contamination can enter the system, there may also be a way for pathogens (microorganisms that cause disease) to enter the system. Therefore, it's important to find the source and resolve the problem.
Fecal Coliform Bacteria
Fecal coliforms are a sub-group of total coliform bacteria that primarily survive in the intestines and feces. The presence of fecal coliform in a drinking water sample is by and large indicative of recent fecal contamination. It generally means there is a higher likelihood of pathogens than when only total coliform bacteria is revealed.
E. Coli Bacteria
E. coli bacteria come from human and animal wastes and can be washed into waterways during rainfalls, or when snow melts. If these waters are not properly treated, E. coli bacteria have the potential to get into drinking water. Although the vast majority of E. coli strains don't pose a health risk, the E. coli O157:H7 variety creates a potent toxin that can result in a serious infection. Symptoms may include acute bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Water that has been contaminated with E-coli can be treated with ultra violet light, chlorine or ozone to eradicate the presence of the bacteria.
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