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Updated: May 29, 2026
12:32
EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. Part III. Virus Detection by RT-qPCR
Published on: January 16, 2016
Enteric viruses in New Zealand drinking-water sources
W M Williamson1, A Ball, S Wolf
1Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand. wendy.williamson@esr.cri.nz
Summary
Human pathogenic viruses were frequently detected in New Zealand drinking water sources. This highlights the need to assess treatment plant effectiveness in removing viruses like adenovirus, norovirus, and rotavirus.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Public health virology
Background:
- Surface waters are critical drinking water sources globally.
- Pathogenic viruses in water pose a significant public health risk.
- Limited data exists on viral contamination in New Zealand drinking water.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the presence and prevalence of human pathogenic viruses in New Zealand drinking water sources.
- To identify key indicator viruses for monitoring water quality.
Main Methods:
- Concentration of enteric viruses using hollow-fibre ultrafiltration.
- Detection of adenovirus (AdV), norovirus (NOV) genogroups I-III, enterovirus, rotavirus (RoV), and hepatitis E virus (HEV) using PCR and RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- 97% of samples (106/109) contained target viruses.
- 61% of samples (67/109) were positive for three or more viral types.
- Adenovirus, norovirus, and rotavirus were the most frequently detected viruses.
Conclusions:
- New Zealand drinking water sources are frequently contaminated with human pathogenic viruses.
- Adenovirus, norovirus, and rotavirus can serve as reliable indicators for assessing viral contamination.
- Evaluating drinking water treatment plant efficacy based on these indicators is recommended to mitigate waterborne viral infection risks.
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