Fecal Coliform Bacteria
What You Need to Know
Pet waste can be a major contributor to fecal coliform populations, especially in areas with large dog populations. Fecal coliform bacteria is passed through pet waste and can cause serious illness in both animals and humans. The presence of these bacteria in water doesn’t necessarily mean that feces is also present in the water, though communities with a lot of pet waste can sometimes find that to be the case. Pooper scooper ordinances and pet waste stations are two ways that communities can help to reduce or eliminate the presence of waste in the water.
A 1993 EPA study even estimated that just two or three days' worth of droppings from about 100 dogs in a twenty-square mile drainage basin could result in enough bacteria to temporarily close a bay to swimming and shellfishing. DoodyCalls offers both of these services and can customize a plan for you that will ensure a clean, safe, and sanitary property to combat this bacteria and many others.
If you are concerned about fecal coliform bacteria, DoodyCalls recommends contacting your pet’s veterinarian for more information.
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Wikipedia contains a useful article about fecal coliform bacteria.
The Washtenaw County, Michigan Environmental Health department produced a great one-page fact sheet that explains the effect of coliform bacteria on drinking water.
