AWWA JAW65913

The ongoing renegotiation of the Total ColiformRule will directly affect how water providers detectand respond to contamination. This article summarizesthe issues and history surrounding the use of indicatorbacteria for detecting microbial contamination ofdrinking water and provides background to help utilitiesunderstand possible rule changes and participatemore meaningfully in the renegotiation process.Numerous problems are associated with the use oftotal coliform bacteria as the indicator of choice fordrinking water monitoring in the United States.Escherichia coli has emerged as a viable replacement fortotal coliforms because of advances in E. coli testing,new understanding about distribution systems biofilms,newly emerged waterborne pathogens, and growinginternational acceptance of E. coli as an indicator offecal contamination. Replacing total coliform with E.coli as the indicator of choice would significantly reducefollowup efforts now spent on total coliform detectionsthat have little or no public health significance. Includes 51 references.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. 100 - No. 2

Published:

02/01/2008

Number of Pages:

11

File Size:

1 file , 170 KB