Bacterial population in the coastal water of Orissa, up to 10 km from shoreline along 6 transects were observed during 2005-06 and 2006-07. Total viable counts (TVC), total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC), faecal streptococci (FS), presumptive E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella, Proteus/Klebsiella, total Vibrio, Vibrio cholera, V. parahaemolyticus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as physico-chemical parameters are determined. Bacterial population was higher in Mahanadi, Paradip and Puri transects compared to other transects. Higher microbial population was recorded in stations close to the shore than the offshore (5 km and 10 km) stations. FC showed positive significant correlation with presumptive E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella and Proteus/Klebsiella, Total Vibrio, V. cholera, V. parahaemolyticus and P. aeruginosa. TC showed the positive significant correlation with presumptive E. coli, total Vibrio, V. cholera and P. aeruginosa. FS showed the positive significant correlation with Salmonella, total Vibrio, V. cholera and V. parahaemolyticus and Shigella. Correlation analysis revealed positive relationships between faecal indicators and pathogenic microorganisms. Bacterial population showed positive relationship with BOD and negative relationship with salinity indicating dominant influence human activities.