Escherichia coli or E.coli is a common bacteria that lives in all human and animal intestines.
Manure can then contaminate a water source.
The sources of human E.coli in surface water include raw and treated sewage from sewage treatment plants and holding lagoons, septic system seepage and illegal connections or dumping into streams and lakes. Regulations Provincial legislation such as the Environmental Protection Act and the Water Resources Act can be used to prosecute someone who has contaminated a water source. The legislation and the courts dictate whether a fine is appropriate, and what amount the fine should be. The Farming and Food Production Protection Act is designed to protect farmers' normal production practices, but not at the expense of health, safety or the environment. A farmer who violates environmental legislation would be dealt with in the same manner as anyone else.