What is commonly tested for to determine if water is contaminated?

Coliform bacteria are commonly tested for in water quality assessments because their presence indicates possible contamination from fecal matter. This group of bacteria, which includes Escherichia coli (E. coli), serves as a vital indicator of water safety, as it signifies that harmful pathogens may also be present in the water. The detection of coliform bacteria helps in assessing the risk of waterborne diseases, making it a key focus in both drinking water and environmental water testing.

While chlorine levels, pH levels, and heavy metals are important parameters in water quality assessments, they do not serve the same purpose as testing for coliform bacteria. Chlorine is typically monitored as a disinfectant in treated water, pH is evaluated to assess acidity or alkalinity, and heavy metals are tested for potential toxic effects. However, none of these directly indicate biological contamination as effectively as coliform bacteria do, which is why they are primarily utilized in assessing the microbial safety of water supplies.