Life SciencesMicrobiologyBacteriologyWater Quality ManagementWater TreatmentDrinking Water SafetyMicrobiological QualitySanitation StandardsWater QualityWater Quality MicrobiologyWater SanitationDrinking Water Microbial QualityDrinking Water MicrobiologyMicrobial Water ContaminationMicrobial Water Quality MonitoringMicrobial Water Quality StandardsMicrobiological Quality AssuranceMicrobiology Laboratory RegulationWater Hygiene
Standards for drinking water have been formalised in the United Kingdom by recent legislation. Routine microbiological monitoring of water supplies is primarily based on tests for coliforms. These organisms have been used successfully for indicating contamination and treatment failures, but may need supplementing with other organisms to further improve confidence in water supply hygiene. Novel techniques may greatly alter the water microbiology laboratory.