Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning C

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

coliform (KOAL-i-form)

A group of bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals (including humans) and in plants, soil, air, and water. The presence of coliform bacteria is an indication that the water is polluted and may contain pathogens (disease-causing organisms). Fecal coliforms are those coliforms found in the feces of various warm-blooded animals, whereas the term coliform also includes other environmental sources.