Since analysis and detection of all these
pathogens is probably infeasible, there is
an established selection of the most suitable
to be used as indicators. Currently,
E. coli is used as indicator of water safety
regarding fecal contamination in almost
all water-quality legislation in the world
for drinking water and bathing waters.
E. coli is a bacterium that lives in large
numbers in the intestines of warm-blooded
animals. Its value as indicator of fecal
contamination in water has been proved
in numerous occasions