What action should be taken after a positive fecal coliform test result?

After a positive fecal coliform test result, implementing corrective measures for water treatment is the appropriate course of action. The presence of fecal coliform bacteria in water indicates potential contamination and poses a risk to human health. These bacteria are often indicators of fecal pollution, which may carry pathogens that can cause illnesses.

Corrective measures may include improving water treatment processes, enhancing disinfection techniques, or addressing contamination sources to ensure safe drinking water. This may involve strategies such as upgrading filtration systems, increasing the frequency of water quality testing, or employing alternative treatment methods to eliminate the bacteria effectively.

While increasing chlorination of the water source may seem like a viable solution, it is only one facet of a comprehensive water treatment approach and may not address underlying issues of contamination or ensure that all health risks are managed. Testing for non-coliform bacteria might provide additional information on water quality but does not directly resolve the immediate issue of fecal contamination indicated by the positive test result. Ignoring the result, even if levels are low, is not advisable as it could lead to public health risks.