[Improving the standard and methodological basis for bacteriological monitoring the quality of drinking water]

The paper presents materials to provide a scientific rationale for the microbiological parameters enhancing the efficiency of drinking water quality control from the point of view of reliability in the provision of epidemic water consumption safety (coliform bacteria being identified by the glucose index; E. coli). Based on the criterion assessment of the significance of microbial water contamination in relation to morbidity rates, the authors have been developed bacteriological standards--the absence of microorganisms in a 300-ml water sample. Evidence is provided for the epidemically significant level--more than 2 CFU of coliform bacteria in 100 ml. A rapid determination procedure has been substantiated in the experimental studies of the effects of oxidase reagents on the viability and biochemical properties of E. coli bacteria. In search for current technologies for membrane filtration, experimental rationale has been made for the possibility of using track membranes for sanitary and bacteriological water analyses.