Why are public water supplies monitored for fecal coliform bacteria despite the fact that most strains of E.coli do not cause disease
A)E.coli is the best indicator of sewage-contaminated water because it doesn't appear in the environment except from human and animal feces.
B)The fecal coliform test is the least expensive,though not most accurate,way to test for sewage contamination.
C)Contrary to what is generally accepted,E.coli is in fact a deadly disease causing pathogen.
D)E.coli is the only bacteria in our water supply that we know how to test for.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fecal coliform bacteria are indicative of contamination from sewage or animal waste, which can contain harmful pathogens. E.coli is a strain of fecal coliform bacteria that is commonly found in human and animal feces, making it a useful indicator of contamination from these sources. Most strains of E.coli do not cause illness, but the presence of this bacteria can signal the potential for the presence of other harmful pathogens in the water supply.

Why Are Public Water Supplies Monitored for Fecal Coliform Bacteria