What common practice does “testing for coliforms” entail?

What common practice does “testing for coliforms” entail?

• A. Measuring the temperature of water
• B. Sampling water to check for bacteria that indicate potential contamination
• C. Checking the chemical balance of water
• D. Examining the physical appearance of water

Answer: (B)

Testing for coliforms primarily involves sampling water to check for the presence of specific bacteria that indicate potential contamination. Coliform bacteria are commonly used as indicators of water quality and safety, as their presence often suggests that other harmful pathogens may also be present due to fecal contamination or other sanitary concerns. In a typical water quality monitoring process, samples are taken from various points in the water distribution system, and these samples are subsequently analyzed in a laboratory setting. If coliform bacteria are detected in the water, it can prompt further investigation and remediation efforts to ensure that the water supply is safe for consumption. Other practices like measuring the temperature of water, checking the chemical balance, or examining the physical appearance are important for overall water quality assessment but do not specifically focus on detecting bacterial contamination, which is the primary aim of testing for coliforms.

Testing for coliforms primarily involves sampling water to check for the presence of specific bacteria that indicate potential contamination. Coliform bacteria are commonly used as indicators of water quality and safety, as their presence often suggests that other harmful pathogens may also be present due to fecal contamination or other sanitary concerns.

In a typical water quality monitoring process, samples are taken from various points in the water distribution system, and these samples are subsequently analyzed in a laboratory setting. If coliform bacteria are detected in the water, it can prompt further investigation and remediation efforts to ensure that the water supply is safe for consumption.

Other practices like measuring the temperature of water, checking the chemical balance, or examining the physical appearance are important for overall water quality assessment but do not specifically focus on detecting bacterial contamination, which is the primary aim of testing for coliforms.