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1.1 This test method describes a membrane filter (MF) procedure for the detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli, a bacterium found exclusively in the feces of humans and other warm-blooded animals. The presence of these microorganisms in water is an indication of fecal pollution and the possible presence of enteric pathogens. These bacteria are found in water and wastewater in a wide range of densities. The detection limit of this procedure is one colony forming unit (CFU) per volume filtered.

1.2 This test method has been used successfully with temperate fresh and marine ambient waters, and wastewaters. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the validity of this test method for waters of other types.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 9.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 This test method is useful for measuring recreational water quality and chlorinated wastewaters, although it can be used for any water suspected of contamination by fecal wastes of warm-blooded animals. The significance of finding E. coli in recreational water samples, especially samples obtained from fresh recreational waters, is that there is a risk of gastrointestinal illness, directly related to the E. coli density, associated with swimming.5

5.2 Since small or large volumes of water or dilutions thereof can be analyzed by the MF technique, a wider range of levels of E. coli in water can be detected and enumerated than with other methods.