What impact do fecal coliform bacteria have on sewage systems?

Fecal coliform bacteria serve as crucial indicators of potential public health risks in sewage systems. Their presence in water or sewage signifies contamination by fecal material, which can contain harmful pathogens that pose a threat to human health. Monitoring these bacteria allows for the assessment of the effectiveness of sewage treatment processes and helps evaluate whether the system is functioning correctly.

Detecting fecal coliforms indicates that there are breaches in sanitation or treatment that could lead to exposure to disease-causing organisms such as viruses and parasites. As a result, a high count of fecal coliforms typically warrants a closer inspection of the sewage system and possibly corrective measures to prevent health risks to the public.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the role or implications of fecal coliform bacteria in sewage systems. They do not indicate well-functioning systems, do play a significant role in understanding public health dangers, and are not beneficial for sewage decomposition.