Which bacteria group is commonly tested to assess water quality for contamination?

Coliform bacteria are widely recognized as a key indicator group for assessing water quality because they are commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and are typically present in untreated water sources. The presence of coliform bacteria in water suggests potential fecal contamination, which can lead to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms that pose health risks to humans.

Coliforms are relatively easy to detect and enumerate using standard laboratory procedures, making them a practical choice for routine monitoring of water quality. Testing for coliforms helps ensure the safety of drinking water and recreational water sources, as they serve as an effective proxy for detecting the possible presence of harmful bacteria that could result in waterborne diseases.

In contrast, while other bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Salmonella, and Helicobacter can also indicate contamination, they lack the widespread utility and reliability of coliform bacteria as indicators of water safety. Coliform bacteria testing has become a standard practice in water quality assessments because they are specifically recognized by regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a primary measure for evaluating fecal contamination in water.