21. Of the 14 surfaces tested 8 had Vancomycin-resistant " Enterococcus ", " Staphylococcus aureus ", and Coliform bacteria . 22. Coliform bacteria can cause illnesses, but it is not as deadly as certain strains of E . coli.23. The tests, conducted during the tourist season late last year, showed above-average levels of coliform bacteria , indicating fecal contamination. 24. Fecal coliform bacteria levels forced frequent swimming prohibitions along the harbor beaches and the Charles River for many years. 25. Water at those locations also was analyzed for the presence of fecal and total coliform bacteria and human viruses. 26. The Environmental Bacteriology unit tests public and private water supplies, swimming pools, beaches, and recreational water for Coliform bacteria . 27. The county had to abandon most of its water testing along its 42 miles of coastline for fecal coliform bacteria . 28. The river water around the fort has been found to be heavily contaminated with coliform bacteria resulting from local pollution. 29. Coliform bacteria is not harmful itself, but its presence indicates that other bacteria that does cause disease may be present.30. Additional problems include high fecal coliform bacteria levels, biochemical oxygen demand ( BOD ) and suspended solids, oil and grease.
