Microbiology

One of the most accurate ways to assess water quality and the success of water treatment is through microbiological testing. Bacteria, particularly a group of bacteria called coliforms are always present in the intestinal tract of humans and are actually part of a healthy internal system. In the waste and water treatment industry, coliforms serve as indicators of the effectiveness of water disinfection (treatment) processes. Since coliforms are much hardier and survive longer in water than most pathogens, health officials use coliform testing as an indicator that the water has been sufficiently treated to remove any harmful pathogens.