A Pilot UK Evaluation of a Rapid Defined Substrate Method for Enumeration of Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli in Water

A simple rapid method for determining total coliforms and Escherichia coli in drinking water was evaluated in a preliminary pilot-scale study at three independent laboratories by comparison with the standard membrane filtration technique. No significant difference was found between the two methods. The method is based on defined substrate technology. It gives confirmed results within 24 h and requires only limited equipment. It was considered particularly suitable for weekend and emergency use and for on-site testing at remote sampling points.