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E. coli as a public health indicator of drinking water quality
Author(s) -
Standridge Jon
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal ‐ american water works association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1551-8833
pISSN - 0003-150X
DOI - 10.1002/j.1551-8833.2008.tb08143.x
Subject(s) - water quality , public health , business , indicator organism , process (computing) , escherichia coli , environmental planning , biology , environmental engineering , environmental science , ecology , computer science , medicine , biochemistry , nursing , gene , operating system
Public health practitioners and water providers have been testing water for microbial contaminants for more than a century. In the United States, public water testing is regulated by federal law. The specifics of the federal law are enforced through such rules as the Total Coliform Rule (TCR). A negotiated rule‐making process to amend the TCR is under way. As this process proceeds, it is important that stakeholders have access to the latest information pertinent to the discussion. This article provides information to be used in evaluating Escherichia coli for inclusion in the amended rule as a potential indicator for drinking water monitoring. Advances in the techniques used for coliform and E. coli testing, new understanding about distribution system biofilms, newly emerged waterborne pathogens, and international changes in the use of E. coli as an indicator all combine to underscore the importance of reconsidering the role of E. coli as an indicator organism.