COLIFORM

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Coliform are generally considered harmless bacteria.  However, some specific types of coliform are harmful and may cause disease.  Coliform have their origin in the intestinal tract of humans and all other warm-blooded animals and are found in sewage.

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Due to their origin, coliform is widespread in our environment.  Coliform are easy to find and fairly easy to identify.  They are excellent indicator organisms.  When found in drinking water, coliform bacteria alert us to the potential of finding harmful organism.

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Because coliform bacteria are very common, identical contamination may occur.  Resampling is always recommended before any physical intervention with the water supply is attempted.  If a second sample is unsafe, a licensed professional will contractor should be contacted.  The water supply system can then be evaluated, needed repairs done, and the well and distribution system properly sanitized.

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For more information contact:

Shiawassee County Environmental Health Division

Surbeck Building

210 N. Shiawassee Street

Corunna, Michigan  48817

(989) 743-2390