Microbiological Maximum Contaminant Levels

The standard bacteriological method forjudging the suitability of water for domestic use is the coliform test. It detects the presence of coliform bacteria, which are found in the natural environment (soils and plants) and in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Any food or water sample in which this group of bacteria is found is to be suspected of having come into contact with domestic sewage or animal manure. Such a water supply may contain pathogenic bacteria and viruses responsible for typhoid fever, dysentery, and hepatitis (Shelton, 1989). 

When water destined for drinking does not meet federal and/or state standards, appropriate treatments are introduced. Some of the current technologies used to meet federal water drinking standards are briefly discussed below. 

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Drinking water suppHed to carbonated soft drink manufacturing faciUties from private or municipal sources must comply with all regulatory requirements. Treated water must meet all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency primary maximum contaminant levels and may also be subject to additional state requirements. Treated water is routinely analyzed for taste, odor, appearance, chlorine, alkalinity, iron, pH, total dissolved soHds, hardness, and microbiological contamination. 

Table 3.50. Primary drinking-water standards maximum contaminant level for microbiological contaminants...

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