Abstract
The time taken in obtaining analytical results using conventional bacteriological analytical techniques was quite long and could be inconvenient if related to incidents in water supply networks or during epidemics if the causative agent could be transmitted by drinking water. Some rapid evaluation techniques of bacterial quality of water, based on colorimetry, radiology, potentiometry, fluorescence, and extraction of DNA, are presented and evaluated. Two techniques could be considered for routine use: the faecal coliforms in 7 h test' and the coliphage test.