Coliform
is a rod-shaped bacteria that is found in many different places. One of these
places it is found is in human waste and in the intestinal track. This bacteria is also found in animals. Animal and
human waste contain many different types of bacteria than just coliform.
Coliform from fecal matter has contaminating water before which leads to
diseases. The more coliform bacteria in the water the less sanitary it is. There
is also different types of where coliform comes from that can cause contamination.
This bacteria can be found in the soil. Fecal matter gets into the soil and can
be carried by water to different places. A term that is used when fecal matter contaminates
food is called E.coli. Humans can obtain E.coli from eating under cooked meat
from many different animals. Another place where coliform is found is in well
water. The bacteria can seep through the well walls is the well is damaged or
old. Infected water can be tested for this bacteria. You can also boil the
water to make it safe again.
This
bacteria does make humans very sick if it gets inside of them. It causes severe
cases of diarrhea. This can dehydrate someone very quickly. It can also cause
vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Your body tries to get this bacteria out of
your system. You can buy water testing kits to see if your water is safe to
drink and to see if it has any coliform in it. If you do find coliform in water
scientists can study it at a lab. You are also able to consult water specialists.
These specialists are highly trained and have most likely dealt with this
before. Filtration to you water can also work to remove this bacteria, but they
will not always work. If your water is discolored it is best to call someone
and ask about it.
