Coliforms,Enterobacteriacaeable to ferment lactose (lactose positiveEnterobacteriacae), are bacteria present in human and warm blooded animals intestinal flora, in the soil and water. Coliforms are proof of organic, environmental or faecal contamination. Faecal contamination, due to coliforms coming from animal waste, consists mainly ofEscherichia coliand thermotolerantKlebsiella.
Strict regulations exist forE. coli/coliform presence in water and food samples. This can be explained by the importance of these germs in determining water and food safety.E. colican contaminate drinking water when the water treatment system is inadequate or during periods of very high rainfalls. Monitoring of food and water production is essential. High contamination may lead to suspension of the water supply and food recall by supermarkets.
In the U.S.A. the EPA recommendations through the Total Coliform Rule (TRC) are:
• <1.000 CFU/100 mL for a fishing and boating water quality.
• <100 CFU/100 mL for a body-contact recreation water quality.
• <1 CFU/100 mL for a drinking water quality.