What microorganism is known to exist in tap water in small numbers?

Mycobacterium fortuitum is a type of nontuberculous mycobacterium that can be found in various environments, including tap water. This organism is notable for its resilience and ability to thrive in aqueous environments, which is why it can exist in small numbers in tap water sources. Understanding the presence of Mycobacterium fortuitum is particularly important for those in the beauty and health industries, as its presence can pose challenges in infection control.

Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while they can be found in various environments, have more associations with specific contamination sources and are commonly studied for their roles in human infections rather than their environmental presence in water. Streptococcus pneumoniae is primarily found in the respiratory tract and is less commonly associated with water sources. Thus, recognizing Mycobacterium fortuitum's presence in tap water underscores the need for sanitization practices in any environment where water is used.