Total Coliforms
Total coliforms are a group of bacteria found in the environment, including in soil, vegetation, and feces of warm-blooded animals. They are used as an indicator of water quality and the potential presence of harmful pathogens.
A positive total coliform result triggers a utility assessment. It is not an exceedance: EPA has set no health goal for total coliforms since April 2016, and any assessment or violation EPA records is listed with this system's violations.
Health Effects
While most coliform bacteria are not harmful, the presence of total coliforms in drinking water indicates that the water may be contaminated with fecal material and pathogens that can cause disease. Exposure can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory infections, and other health issues.
Affected Organs & Systems:
Source: EPA — Revised Total Coliform Rule (retrieved 2026-07-27)
Common Sources
- Agricultural runoff
- Sewage discharge
- Natural deposits
Is your Total Coliforms result safe? Get a free reading
Upload your tap water report (PDF or a photo) and we'll email you a plain-English explanation of each contaminant and level — free. Educational only, no medical claims.
Your upload also helps us keep local water data accurate — we only ever share anonymized, area-level summaries.
Upload my testHow to Remove It
Water filters certified under the following NSF standards are effective at removing Total Coliforms:
Get Total Coliforms Updates
Research updates, regulation changes, and filter recommendations — in your inbox.
Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime. We never share your email.
Contaminant Type
Total Coliforms is classified as a Bacteria contaminant.
This contaminant primarily affects the Gastrointestinal system, Nervous system.
Related Bacteria Contaminants
Check Your Water
Find out if Total Coliforms is in your tap water.
Search cities for Total Coliforms dataTest Your Water for This Contaminant
Public water reports may not test frequently enough or at your specific tap. Professional home testing provides current, location-specific results.
SimpleLab
Advanced Home Water Test
$269
Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.
Tap Score
Advanced Microplastics Test
$829
Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.
Tap Score
Haloacetic Acids (HAA9) Test
$275
Tests for disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water treatment.
Get the Weekly Water Brief
One email a week on water testing, treatment, and what water-quality data means for your home.
One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.