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What are Total Coliforms?
Coliforms are naturally occurring organisms in soil, water and vegetation. Coliform Bacteria should not be present in water that is disinfected, and their presence indicates that either disinfection has not been complete, that there is ingress into the water mains in the distribution network or that the sampling point is contaminated. In the Drinking Water Regulations, it is defined as an Indicator parameter.
What is a Total Coliforms Exceedance?
A drinking water exceedance is a result from a drinking water sample which is above the acceptable limit. Any detection of Total Coliforms in a drinking water sample is seen as an exceedance.
What causes a Total Coliforms Exceedance?
Exceedances for Total Coliforms can occur following a localized contamination incident or where water is not adequately chlorinated in the disinfection treatment process.

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