Tests to monitor water safety often report the number of fecal coliform bacteria found in samples. Which of the following statements accurately reflects water safety recommendations based upon fecal coliform levels?

Answer: B. If the level of fecal coliform bacteria is low, then the water may still be unsafe because of the presence of other pathogens.

Explanation:

Fecal coliforms are anaerobic bacteria originating from the intestine of humans. They contaminate drinking water via poor sewage disposal or leaky sewage systems.

Scientists believe that fecal coliforms are not harmful, however they form a basis for the analysis of water quality because the presence of fecal coliforms in a water body is often an indication of the presence of some disease causing bacteria such as typhoid and dysentery causing microbes.