ASTM D5259-14

1.1 This test method covers a membrane filter (MF) procedure for the detection and enumeration of the enterococci bacteria in water. The enterococci, which include Entero-coccus faecalis (E. faecalis), E. faecium, and their varieties are commonly found in the feces of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Although some strains are ubiquitous and not related to fecal pollution, enterococci in water are an indication of fecal pollution and the possible presence of enteric pathogens. These bacteria are found in water and wastewater in a wide range of densities. The detection limit is one colony forming unit (CFU)/volume filtered.