What is the monthly average limit for fecal coliform?

• A. 200 monthly average
• B. 400 maximum
• C. 130 monthly average
• D. 240 max

Answer: (A)

The value being tested is the monthly average fecal coliform limit for treated effluent. In typical Kentucky wastewater practice exams, the monthly average is 200 fecal coliforms per 100 mL. This means you look at multiple samples collected over the month and compute their average; if that average is 200 or less, you’re compliant. A single high result (even up to 400 per 100 mL) might occur in one sample, but it won’t determine compliance as long as the overall monthly average stays at or below 200. The other numbers don’t represent the standard monthly-average limit: 400 per 100 mL is more like a per-sample maximum used in some permits, while 130 or 240 are not the typical monthly-average standards.