coliform count

Definition

Test of water contamination in which the number of the colonies of coliform-bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) per 100 milliliter of water is counted. The result is expressed as 'Coliform Microbial Density' and indicates the extent of fecal matter present in it. According to common water quality standards drinking water must be completely free from any colony, bathing and swimming pool water can have about 200 colonies, and recreational (fishing and boating) water about 1000 colonies.