Microbial Monitoring Program

Monitoring Requirements

Every public water system (PWS) is required to monitor for the presence of total coliform bacteria. The specific monitoring requirements for the City of Sherman system is based on the number of customers served and the type of system operated.

Total Coliform Bacteria

Total coliform bacteria are used as indicators of microbial contamination of drinking water because testing for them is easy. While not disease-causing organisms themselves, they are often found in association with other microbes that are capable of causing disease. Coliform bacteria are hardier than many disease-causing organisms; therefore, their absence from water is a good indication that the water is microbiologically safe for human consumption.

Samples Collected 

Currently, the Laboratory Services Department collects a minimum of 40 samples each month at designated sites throughout Sherman’s water distribution system at regular intervals as prescribed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

 Water Quality Report

Annually, the City of Sherman publishes a Drinking Water Quality Report, which provides information about all of the regulated contaminants that were detected in the drinking water for the prior year(s), including total coliform bacteria. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. For specific questions about the Drinking Water Quality Report, please call 903-892-7258 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays.