A positive fecal coliform repeat sample following a positive fecal coliform routine sample indicates what level of health risk?

A positive fecal coliform repeat sample following a positive fecal coliform routine sample indicates what level of health risk?

• A. No risk
• B. Acute public health risk
• C. Minor risk
• D. Not assessed

Answer: (B)

Confirming contamination with a repeat positive fecal coliform sample signals an acute public health risk. Fecal coliforms indicate possible fecal pollution, which can carry pathogens. A single positive sample might be due to a temporary issue or a testing anomaly, but when a second sample taken after the first also tests positive, it shows that the contamination is real and sustained. That level of contamination means the water could pose an immediate risk to anyone consuming or using it, so actions like public notification and protective measures are required. The other options don’t fit because a confirmed contamination isn’t “no risk” or “minor risk,” and there’s no basis to say it’s “not assessed” when a repeat positive has occurred.

Confirming contamination with a repeat positive fecal coliform sample signals an acute public health risk. Fecal coliforms indicate possible fecal pollution, which can carry pathogens. A single positive sample might be due to a temporary issue or a testing anomaly, but when a second sample taken after the first also tests positive, it shows that the contamination is real and sustained. That level of contamination means the water could pose an immediate risk to anyone consuming or using it, so actions like public notification and protective measures are required. The other options don’t fit because a confirmed contamination isn’t “no risk” or “minor risk,” and there’s no basis to say it’s “not assessed” when a repeat positive has occurred.