Final answer:
A positive result for total coliform in the IBWA Model Code requires confirmation, halting bottling operations if confirmed, identifying the contamination source, remediation, and ensuring all water meets safety standards before distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The response to a positive result for total coliform in the context of the IBWA (International Bottled Water Association) Model Code involves a series of actions to ensure water safety. Coliforms, including fecal coliforms and E. coli, indicate potential contamination by fecal matter. When a water sample has a positive test result for coliforms, this typically triggers a confirmation process to rule out any false-positive results.
Subsequently, if the sample is indeed positive, water bottling operations may be put on hold, and further analysis is conducted to identify and eliminate the source of contamination. Imperative remediation and safety protocols are initiated, including retesting, to ensure that all distributed water meets safety standards before reaching consumers. A positive result signifies that the water does not comply with the health and safety standards dictated by the Code and immediate action must be taken to correct the issue.