Microbiology
E. coli
A specific indicator of faecal contamination in water.
What is E. coli?
Escherichia coli is a bacterium used internationally as an indicator of recent faecal contamination.
Why test for it?
E. coli is a core parameter for private water supplies, wells, boreholes and stored water systems.
Where can it come from?
- Surface water ingress
- Agricultural run-off
- Damaged or unprotected supply infrastructure
How is it measured?
Determined by membrane filtration or defined-substrate culture in sterile containers. Microbiological samples require prompt delivery to the laboratory under temperature control.
What does my result mean?
Microbiological results are valid for the moment of sampling. Presence is reported as counts per 100 mL alongside coliform bacteria.