SUMMARY: Water samples from local ponds and lakes and snow runoff were collected and tested for coliforms and Escherichia coli. Humans and animals come into contact with these areas, some are used for recreational activities such as swimming and others are a source of drinking water for both animals and humans. The main goal of this experiment was to see which lakes, snow flows and ponds tested positive for coliform or Escherichia coli and provided some reasoning as to why. The more remote pond with fewer contacts was found to contain the most Escherichia coli. However, another lake that many swim in and use for drinking water tested positive for a small amount of Escherichia coli. The two samples taken from the snow showed negative results for both coliforms and Escherichia coli, and the other two public ponds that are not commonly used as a source of human drinking water but of animal drinking water tested in the highest range for coliforms but in the small to no range of Escherichia coli. It was concluded that the remote pond should be avoided as it is not a safe source of drinking water for humans or animals. Other than that, other ponds are likely to be safe from Escherichia coli, but coliforms are a risk factor. INTRODUCTION: There are over 50 lakes and ponds in Cumberland County, Maine, all of various sizes and shapes. Many of these lakes serve different purposes, from hydrating plants to being a source of water for both animals and humans. With this responsibility, the question arises: are these ponds and lakes safe drinking water for animals and humans? Contaminated water poses a risk to both humans and animals. A coliform bacterium is a bacterium that has the following characteristics...... center of paper...... Gorham, Maine, and two runoff snowbanks both located on the USM campus in Gorham. The main goal of this experiment was to see which lakes and ponds tested positive for Escherichia coli coliforms and find some reasons as to why. It was expected that many lakes would test positive for Escherichia coli given that there are plants, animals and fish that come into contact with the water. Both snowbanks tested negative for coliforms and Escherichia coli, indicating there will be no contamination from these locations ending up in the ponds. Hinckley Reserve and Sebago Lake tested positive for coliforms and Escherichia coli. The pond near the USM grass field was elevated for both coliforms and Escherichia coli. This was definitely the most dangerous water sample taken, meaning it should not be consumed or swum in.