E. Coli

What is E. coli?
The full name for E. coli is Escherichia coli. It is a type of bacteria found in in the intestines of humans and animals. In the drinking water regulations, it is defined as a Microbiological parameter. Certain strains (i.e. types) of E. coli (e.g. O157:H7) can cause serious illness such as gastroenteritis, dysentery, and diarrhea.
What is an exceedance for E. coli?
The acceptable limit for E. coli in drinking water is 0 per 100mls. Therefore, any detection of E. coli in a drinking water sample is seen as an exceedance.
What can cause an E. coli exceedance?
Exceedances for E. coli can be due to a contamination incident either at a water source or through the water network, for example at burst mains or at an illegal connection etc. Exceedances of E. coli can also occur due to a failure in the disinfection treatment process.