How big a health hazard is Sangam water with high level of faecal coliform

The National Green Tribunal has raised concerns over high faecal coliform bacteria levels in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Prayagraj as millions are taking a dip at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh. "The strength of faecal matter in sewage is monitored by coliform counts, a water quality parameter that acts as an indicator of pathogens that most commonly cause diarrhoea, as well as typhoid and a whole host of enteric diseases," according to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change's CPCB, in its Maha Kumbh 2025 dashboard on the water quality at the various spots along the Ganga and the Yamuna also notes that the faecal coliform in the water should be less than or equal to 2,500 MPN/100ml. Bathing in waters with high levels of fecal coliform bacteria "increases the chance of developing illness from pathogens entering the body through the mouth, nose, ears, or cuts in the skin", according to KnowYourH2O, a US-based programme working on promoting the use of safe drinking water.