When incidents such as sewage backup, sewage pipeline breaks, and floods occur, there is potential for human exposure to fecal contamination. Escherichia coli (E . coli ) is a type of fecal organism that is able to cause gastrointestinal disease.

Sewer backup can occur when a blockage occurs in sanitary sewer lines. This can be caused by roots penetrating into the pipe or from other material. Sewer backup can also occur when excess storm water enters the sewer system and exceeds its capacity, causing a supercharged sewer flow. If plumbing fixtures in a home occur below this supercharged flow, basement flooding can occur.

Contaminated rooms and materials should be cleaned and disinfected to reduce risk to human health.