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(780) 450-3957
Microbiological water testing evaluates water samples for microorganisms that may affect public health, regulatory compliance, water quality, and operational performance.
PBR Laboratories provides microbiological testing for drinking water, potable water systems, groundwater, surface water, recreational water, industrial water, and environmental monitoring programs throughout Alberta, Western Canada, and Canada.
Results help organizations determine whether water systems are functioning effectively and whether corrective actions may be required.
Microbiological water testing evaluates water samples for bacteria and other microorganisms that may indicate contamination, treatment failures, distribution system issues, or public health risks.
Testing may be used to:
Escherichia coli (E. coli) Testing
What Is E. coli Testing?
E. coli is commonly used as an indicator of fecal contamination and potential public health risk.
Why Is It Important?
Detection may indicate contamination requiring investigation and corrective action.
Total Coliform Testing
What Are Total Coliforms?
Total coliform bacteria are commonly used as indicators of water quality and treatment performance.
Why Is It Important?
Results help assess distribution systems, source water quality, and treatment effectiveness.
Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) Testing
What Is Heterotrophic Plate Count Testing?
Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) measures general bacterial populations present within water systems.
Why Is It Important?
Results may help evaluate water system performance and biological activity.
Enterococci Testing
What Is Enterococci Testing?
Enterococci are indicator organisms commonly used in recreational and environmental water monitoring.
Why Is It Important?
Results may help evaluate contamination risks and recreational water quality.
Drinking Water Microbiology
Common Tests:
• E. coli
• Total Coliforms
• HPC
Recreational Water Microbiology
Common Tests:
• E. coli
• Enterococci
Groundwater Microbiology
Common Tests:
• E. coli
• Total Coliforms
Surface Water Microbiology
Common Tests:
• E. coli
• Total Coliforms
• Enterococci
Microbiological failures may indicate:
The appropriate response depends on:
PBR helps clients understand results and determine appropriate next steps.
What is microbiological water testing?
Microbiological water testing evaluates water samples for microorganisms that may affect public health and water quality.
What does a positive E. coli result mean?
E. coli may indicate fecal contamination and requires further investigation.
Why are total coliforms tested?
Total coliforms are commonly used to assess water quality and treatment performance.
What is Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC)?
HPC measures general bacterial populations present within water systems.
When should drinking water be tested?
Testing frequency depends on system type, regulatory requirements, and monitoring objectives.
What types of water can be tested?
Drinking water, groundwater, surface water, recreational water, industrial water, and environmental water samples.
PBR Laboratories provides E. coli testing, total coliform testing, Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) testing, enterococci testing, and microbiological water testing services throughout Canada.
Choose PBR – Because Precision Matters, Defining Excellence in Laboratory Services Since 1984.