Using Composite Water Samples The Orange CountyDepartment of Public Health tests
ID: 2919204 • Letter: U
Question
Using Composite Water Samples The Orange CountyDepartment of Public Health
tests water for contamination due to the presence of £coli (Escherichia coli) bacte-
ria. To reduce laboratory costs, water samples from six publicswimming areas are
combined for one test, and further testing is done only if thecombined sample fails
Based on past results, there is a 2% chance of finding E.coli bacteria in a public
swimming area. Find the probability that a combined sample fromsix public swim-
ming areas will reveal the presence of E. colibacteria.