6 replies to this topic

[Padfoot]

Hi,

I work in a bakery where we produced frozen baked products. I recently tested water for coliform count and got a positive number. Can we have any coliform count in our water? 

[Scampi]

b) Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) or Total Plate Count (TPC): principally used to indicate the effectiveness of water treatment processes such as filtration and disinfection. Values are acceptable up to about 100 cfu/100 ml.

 

What is an acceptable total plate count in drinking water?

 

 

Heterotrophic plate count levels in potable water should be <500 CFU/mL. These levels may increase on occasion, but counts consistently >500 CFU/mL would indicate a general decrease in water quality. A direct correlation between heterotrophic plate count and biofilm levels has been demonstrated.

https://www.cdc.gov/...en demonstrated.
Water | Appendix | Environmental Guidelines | Infection Control

[kingstudruler1]

no you should not have coliform bacteria in water supply.   

[olenazh]

City water cannot have Coliforms, however you may have Coliforms in your water - due to improper sanitation of water outlets.

[Dorothy87]

Hi, 

 

Total coliforms bacteria include organisms that can survive and grow in water. Some of these bacteria are excreted in the faeces of humans and animals, but many coliforms are heterotrophic and able to multiply in water and soil environments. Total coliforms can also survive and grow in water distribution systems, particularly in the presence of biofilms. Definitely should be ≥1cfu/100ml, otherwise point must be closed with the red tape and staff must be informed. Other points must be immediately checked and local water supplier must be informed.  

 

A few things to consider  ; 

 

- Do you have other points affected?

- Do you have a schematic water site map plan?

- Do you have a risk assessment in place? 

- Who was taking samples?

- Did you check your lab accreditation?

- Do you have any history of positive results? 

- Is this main bakery water or water from handwashing sinks? 

 

Edited by Dorothy87, 15 November 2023 - 12:20 PM.

[Scampi]

City water cannot have Coliforms, however you may have Coliforms in your water - due to improper sanitation of water outlets.

 

That is not true ---when hydrants are flushed, and they used municipal water, everyone's water deteriorates due to film that builds up on the water lines

 

Not all drinking water standards are the same

 

They "shouldn't" have coliforms, but they might

[MOHAMMED ZAMEERUDDIN]

As per IS 10500:2012, Coliform shall not be detectable in 100 ml sample.