The presence of coliform bacteria in water indicates potential fecal contamination and the possible presence of disease-causing pathogens, although it does not directly confirm the presence of specific harmful organisms. Testing for pathogenic bacteria like E. coli is essential as they act as indicators of potential sewage contamination and the presence of more dangerous pathogens.
Coliform bacteria, including fecal coliforms, are indicators of contamination by fecal matter in water. While the presence of coliforms signals a potential risk of disease-causing pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter, it does not confirm the direct presence of these specific harmful organisms. Testing for pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli is crucial not because they are highly dangerous themselves, but because they serve as signals of possible sewage contamination that may harbor more dangerous pathogens like Salmonella and hepatitis A virus.
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