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State Water Resources Control Board <br /> Division of Water Quality <br /> GAMA Program <br /> HEALTH EFFECT INFORMATION <br /> The detection of coliform bacteria can be an indication of the presence of organisms that <br /> can cause diseases, including harmful strains of coliforms, parasites such as Giardia <br /> and Cryptosporidium, and non-coliform bacteria. These organisms can cause intestinal <br /> infections, dysentery, hepatitis, typhoid fever, cholera, gastroenteritis, and other <br /> illnesses. Intestinal infections and dysentery are generally considered minor health <br /> problems in otherwise-healthy adults. However, such illnesses may be fatal to infants, <br /> the elderly, and those who are already ill. The E. coli strain 0157:H7 can cause serious <br /> illness, although this strain is more frequently observed in food than in drinking water <br /> supplies. <br /> Not all coliform bacteria cause illness in humans. However, the US EPA has determined <br /> that the presence of any coliforms is a possible health concern. When detected in <br /> drinking water, the presence of coliforms is usually attributed to inadequate water <br /> treatment, problems or leaks within the water distribution system, and/or contamination <br /> from septic tank seepage and livestock activities. <br /> The symptoms of waterborne illness are: abdominal cramping, fever, vomiting, nausea, <br /> headaches, fatigue and possibly jaundice and diarrhea, possibly leading to severe <br /> dehydration, malnutrition, kidney failure, and death. <br /> Revised September, 2019 5 <br />