Which of the following is a true statement regarding fecal coliform?

Fecal coliform is a group of bacteria commonly used as an indicator of potential contamination by fecal material and, consequently, the possible presence of harmful pathogens. The presence of fecal coliform in water suggests a risk of waterborne diseases as they signal that the water may be contaminated with microorganisms that can cause gastrointestinal and other diseases.

Understanding why this statement is true involves recognizing the role fecal coliform plays in water quality assessments. While these bacteria are often detected in untreated water as a result of contamination from animal or human waste, their presence is a red flag in terms of public health implications. This is important for water safety, particularly in recreational and drinking water sources.

Other statements in the question report specific conditions about fecal coliform that are not accurate. Fecal coliform can be found in untreated, surface, and household wastewater rather than being exclusive to treated water, and they typically do not survive well in environments with high levels of chlorine, which is used in treatment processes to kill bacterial contaminants. Thus, the indication of disease potential makes the first statement the most correct regarding fecal coliform.