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
Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
San Antonio Water System
San Antonio, Texas
Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
Dekalb County
Decatur, Georgia
Detroit City Of
Detroit, Michigan
Albuquerque Water System
Albuquerque, New Mexico
North Fulton County
Alpharetta, Georgia
Wichita, City Of
Wichita, Kansas
Aquarion-Eastern Fairfield County
Shelton, Connecticut
Durham, City Of
Durham, North Carolina
Newark Water Department
Newark, New Jersey
Howard County D.p.w. Distribution
Columbia, Maryland
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
Salem Public Works
Salem, Oregon
Gru - Murphree Wtp
Gainesville, Florida
Kent Water Department
Kent, Washington
Clermont Public Water System
Batavia, Ohio
Aquarion-Stamford
Shelton, Connecticut
Cambridge Water Department
Cambridge, Massachusetts
West Jordan City Water System
West Jordan, Utah
Rio Rancho Water & Ww Services
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Waterbury Water Department
Waterbury, Connecticut
Medford Water Commission
Medford, Oregon
St George City Water System
St George City, Utah
Warren County Water District
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Cicero
Cicero, Illinois
Hardin County Water District #2
Elizabethtown, Kentucky
Berkeley County Pswd-Potomac River
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
Total Coliform has been detected in 0 water systems that exceed the EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 5 % positive, affecting approximately 0 people. Check your local water system's annual Consumer Confidence Report or search by ZIP code on this site.
Exposure to Total Coliform above the MCL of 5 % positive may cause adverse health effects. Consult EPA fact sheets for detailed information.
Effective filtration methods for Total Coliform include UV Disinfection, Reverse Osmosis (RO), Ceramic Filters. Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI standards for Total Coliform removal. See the detailed comparison table above for effectiveness ratings and cost ranges.
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for Total Coliform is 5 % positive. The MCL Goal (MCLG), the level with no known health risk, is 0 % positive. Water systems must test regularly and notify customers if levels exceed the MCL.