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Coliforms are the group of bacteria used by the water industry to
assess the microbiological quality of water—both drinking water
and recreational water.
These bacteria, though not generally pathogenic
(disease-causing) themselves, serve as indicators of the presence
of organisms that may be pathogenic. Coliforms, specifically fecal
coliforms, indicate the possible presence of fecal contamination
from warm-blooded animals.
While the standards for bathing beaches are not
as stringent as those for drinking water, state or local authorities
can prohibit swimming if bacterial levels are too high. Because
fecal coliforms are associated with animal wastes, coliform levels
tend to increase dramatically following storms as flood waters wash
into rivers and lakes.
Research conducted at swimming-permissible beaches
in Lake Mead has shown coliform levels within the established environmental
safety standard.
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