In this study, indicators of microbiological pollution (aerobic plate
counts, total coliforms, fecal coliforms and E. coli) were used to assess
the microbial quality of water sources used by rural communities in
Pietermaritzburg (KwaZulu-Natal) in comparison with recommended
guideline values (DOH, 2001; DWAF, 1996b; WHO, 1989, 2006). In
addition, the microbiological quality of fresh produce irrigated with
this water source was assessed to establish whether a transfer of
potential pathogens from irrigation water onto fresh produce might
take place.