Thermotolerant coliforms are a sub-group of coliforms that are able to grow at 44.5 ± 0.2°C. E. coli is the most common thermotolerant coliform present in faeces and is regarded as the most specific indicator of recent faecal contamination because generally it is not capable of growth in the environment. In contrast, some other thermotolerant coliforms (including strains of Klebsiella, Citrobacter and Enterobacter) are able to grow in the environment and their presence is not necessarily related to faecal contamination. While tests for thermotolerant coliforms can be simpler than for E. coli, E. coli is considered a superior indicator for detecting faecal contamination…” ADWG
2017/18 – Coen (Queensland) – E.coli
Coen Water Supply had a non-compliance in July 2018. The sampling site at the depot returned a result of 1 CFU/100ml for E. coli. The non-compliance was reported to the regulator on the 07/07/2018. Water lines in the depot area were flushed and the follow up samplestaken had nil detection for E.coli. The Coen depot is the end of the water line andfeeds the two depot houses. At the time of the non-compliance, one house was empty and the residents of the other were on holiday, therefore there was minimal water use on that line.