Authorities differ respecting the significance of that variety of organism known as streptococcus in food products and water. That it does occur in water is obvious from the findings of numerous observers. On the other hand, most waters of ordinary purity - in fact nearly all which can be so considered - are practically free from these organisms. They are often entirely absent in water and even in soils. Their presence in water is regarded by most authorities as an indication of pollution of a very dangerous kind. Fortunately the streptococci themselves do not have any very great vitality. They are easily killed and usually do not persist for any very long period. Many authorities regard some forms of streptococci as wholly innocuous. When a bacteriological examination reveals the presence of this organism in water it is always advisable to make a search to see if there is not some source of pollution that can be discovered and eliminated.