Faecal coliform bacteria are a sub-group of the total coliform population that are easy to measure and are present in virtually all warm blooded animals. Although measurement of this group is favoured by the NHMRC (1996) as suitable indicators of faecal pollution, it is recognised that members of this group may not be exclusively of faecal origin. However their presence in samples implies increased risk of disease. Pathogenic bacteria are those which are considered capable of causing disease in animals.

Bacteria that inhabit the intestines of humans and other vertebrates and are present in faeces.

a sub-group of coliforms, almost exclusively faecal in origin.