Fecal coliforms are a group of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans. They are used as indicators of water quality, particularly in assessing the presence of pathogens that can cause disease. Their presence in water suggests potential contamination by fecal matter, which can pose health risks. Testing for fecal coliforms is a standard practice in environmental monitoring, especially in drinking water and recreational water bodies. High levels of these bacteria can indicate unsafe conditions for human health, prompting further investigation and potential remediation efforts to ensure safe water quality.