Fecal Coliform – Fecal coliform bacteria are found in the feces of warm-blooded animals. These bacteria naturally occur in the digestive tract and aid in the digestion of food. In infected individuals, pathogenic organisms are found along with fecal coliform bacteria. These bacteria can enter rivers through direct discharge from mammals and birds, from agricultural and stormwater run-off and from sewage treatment plant discharges. Diseases and illnesses such as typhoid fever, dysentery and ear infections can be contracted from water with high fecal coliform counts.
