AWWA JAW65072

Prior to this research, water utilities needing to determine the presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in their raw water or drinking water needed to wait three to five days for the results. This investigation was undertaken to define methods that could achieve this in one working day, which is necessary to allow utility staff to respond in a timely manner and reduce the risk of infection to water consumers. On the basis of this research, two methods have been identified that allow quick detection of very low levels of E. coli O157:H7 in either raw or drinking water. This article describes these procedures, which can dovetail into existing Total Coliform Rule procedures or serve as stand-alone methods. The procedures are quick (taking < 8 h) and user-friendly enough that individuals with little technical skill can accurately use these tests to obtain meaningful results. Includes 34 references, tables, figures.