What is the main reason for performing regular total coliform and *E. colimonitoring in drinking water?

The main reason for performing regular total coliform and *E. colimonitoring in drinking water is to assess the microbiological quality of the water and determine whether the treatment processes are effectively preventing contamination and protecting public health. Total coliforms and *E. coliare indicator organisms, meaning their presence in drinking water suggests that the water may be contaminated with fecal matter and potentially contain harmful pathogens. Total coliforms are a group of bacteria that are commonly found in the environment, including soil, vegetation, and the intestines of animals and humans. While most total coliforms are not harmful, their presence indicates that the water system may be vulnerable to contamination. *E. coliis a specific type of fecal coliform bacteria that is found exclusively in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans. Its presence in drinking water is a strong indicator of recent fecal contamination and a higher risk of waterborne disease. The absence of total coliforms in a drinking water sample generally indicates that the water is free from fecal contamination and is safe to drink. However, the presence of total coliforms, particularly if accompanied by *E. coli, triggers further investigation and corrective action, such as increasing the disinfectant dosage, flushing the distribution system, or issuing a boil water advisory. Regular monitoring helps water systems identify and address potential problems before they pose a significant threat to public health. For example, if routine monitoring detects total coliforms in a water sample, the water system must immediately test for *E. colito determine the source and extent of the contamination. If *E. coliis confirmed, the water system must notify the public and take steps to correct the problem to prevent waterborne illness.