Total Coliform in Drinking Water
Microbial · MCL: 5 % positive · 0 systems exceeding limit
Overview
Total Coliform is regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act with an MCL of 5 % positive. The EPA Safe Drinking Water program sets and enforces the maximum contaminant levels shown here.
Health Effects
Exposure to Total Coliform above the MCL of 5 % positive may cause adverse health effects. Consult EPA fact sheets for detailed information.
Sources of Contamination
Total Coliform can enter drinking water from natural deposits, industrial discharges, or other sources.
Treatment & Removal
Treatment methods for Total Coliform include activated carbon filtration, reverse osmosis, and specialized media.
How to Remove Total Coliform From Water
These filtration methods are effective for reducing Total Coliform in drinking water:
| Filter Method | Effectiveness | Cost Range | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV Disinfection | 99.99% inactivation | $150-500 (point-of-use) | NSF/ANSI 55 (Class A) |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) | 99%+ removal | $200-500 (under-sink) | NSF/ANSI 58 |
| Ceramic Filters | 99.99% removal | $30-150 | NSF P231 |
UV Disinfection — details
Best method for microbial treatment. No chemicals added.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) — details
Effectively removes coliform bacteria through physical filtration.
Ceramic Filters — details
Absolute pore size blocks bacteria. Long-lasting and low maintenance.
Water Systems with Total Coliform Detected
San Antonio Water System
San Antonio, Texas
Gru - Murphree Wtp
Gainesville, Florida
Clermont Public Water System
Batavia, Ohio
Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Cicero
Cicero, Illinois
Detroit City Of
Detroit, Michigan
Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
Dekalb County
Decatur, Georgia
North Fulton County
Alpharetta, Georgia
Durham, City Of
Durham, North Carolina
Newark Water Department
Newark, New Jersey
Nj American Water - Western
Delran, New Jersey
Jersey City Mua
Hoboken, New Jersey
Wildwood City Water Department
Rio Grande, New Jersey
Everett Public Works Dept. City Of
Everett, Washington
Kent Water Department
Kent, Washington
Cambridge Water Department
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Warren County Water District
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Hardin County Water District #2
Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Salem Public Works
Salem, Oregon
Medford Water Commission
Medford, Oregon
Berkeley County Pswd-Potomac River
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Albuquerque Water System
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Rio Rancho Water & Ww Services
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Wichita, City Of
Wichita, Kansas
West Jordan City Water System
West Jordan, Utah
St George City Water System
St George City, Utah
Aquarion-Eastern Fairfield County
Shelton, Connecticut
Aquarion-Stamford
Shelton, Connecticut
Waterbury Water Department
Waterbury, Connecticut
Howard County D.p.w. Distribution
Columbia, Maryland