Animal Waste A significant amount of fecal coliform is released in the wastes produced by animals. This can be a serious problem in waters near cattle feedlots, hog farms, dairies, and barnyards that have poor animal keeping practices and waste is not properly contained. In urban areas, fecal coliform can be contributed to surface water by dog, cat, raccoon, and human waste when it is carried into storm drains, creeks, and lakes during storms. Sediment Load High amounts of sediment are often related to high concentrations of pathogenic bacteria. Fast-running water can carry more sediment, so higher levels of bacteria can occur during high runoff events.
Bacteria are much more abundant on soils than in water.
Temperature Bacteria grow faster at higher temperatures. The growth rate slows drastically at very low temperatures. Nutrients High levels of nutrients can increase the growth rate of bacteria. Every sample that has total coliforms must be analyzed for fecal coliforms. Fecal coliform is a type of fecal bacteria.