Our results indicate that compliance with microbiological quality standards obtained in routine monitoring does not always guarantee the absence of pathogens. The presence of pathogens such as E. coli O157 may suggest possible health consequences; however, a risk assessment process should be performed as the monitoring of both faecal indicator
parameters and pathogens do not predict the effect of microbial contamination of drinking water on a population.r 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Escherichia coli O157; Gastroenteritis; Private water supply; Water microbiology; Drinking water; Detection