在总大肠菌群规则之前，东湾市政公用事业区（EBMUD）在分配系统中使用游离氯和氯胺作为残留物。然而，根据总大肠菌群规则进行的更详细取样显示，在高压区的分配系统最外层的总大肠菌群水平较高。过去的消毒实践是将进入分配系统的总余氯保持在0.35至0.4 mg/L，余氯处于微量水平，末端不存在。总大肠菌群规则改变了这一切。详细的总大肠菌群规则行动计划强调了对新操作程序、人员配备和所需设施的需求。 余氯的增加控制了总大肠菌群。然而，更多的顾客抱怨水的味道。此外，三卤甲烷的含量也有所增加。

Before the Total Coliform Rule, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) used both free chlorine and chloramines as a residual in the distribution system. However, more detailed sampling under the Total Coliform Rule revealed higher levels of total coliform at the outermost extremes of the distribution system in the higher pressure zones. The past disinfection practice was to maintain a total chlorine residual of 0.35 to 0.4 mg/L entering the distribution system, with chlorine residual at trace levels and nonexistent at its extremities. The Total Coliform Rule changed all that. A detailed total Coliform Rule Action Plan highlighted the need for new operating procedures, staffing,a nd facilities needed. The chlorine residual increase controlled total coliforms. However, more customers complained about the water's taste. Also, trihalomethane levels have increased.