Which of the following statements about total coliform is true?

Total coliform is a group of bacteria found in the environment, including soil and vegetation, as well as in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. The correct statement regarding total coliform is that it includes both fecal and non-fecal coliform. This means that when total coliforms are detected in a water sample, it indicates the presence of coliform bacteria that can originate from various sources, not just fecal material from humans or animals.

The rationale behind monitoring total coliform is that while the presence of fecal coliform bacteria typically indicates contamination by fecal matter and a higher risk of pathogens, the total coliform group serves as a general indicator of the water quality. The assumption is that if there are total coliforms in a water sample, there could be a pathway for contamination that could lead to more harmful pathogens as well.

This comprehensive understanding of total coliform makes option C the most accurate choice, as it encapsulates the broader spectrum of coliform bacteria that are monitored in water quality assessments.