Significance and Use

This test provides an easy and reliable method for the detection of enterococci in water within 24 h. For recreational water (fresh and marine) testing is performed to insure areas are safe for swimming. Enterolert also can be used for testing bottled water and drinking water.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers a simple procedure for the detection of enterococci in water and wastewater. It is based on IDEXX's patented Defined Substrate Technology (DST). This product, Enterolert, utilizes a nutrient indicator that fluoresces when metabolized. It can detect these bacteria at one colony forming unit (CFU)/100 mL within 24 h. The presence of this microorganism in water is an indication of fecal contamination and the possible presence of enteric pathogens.

1.2 This test method can be used successfully with drinking water, source water, recreational (fresh and marine) water, and bottled water. It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of this test method for waters of untested matrices.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D1129 Terminology Relating to Water

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water

D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits

Keywords

bottled water; drinking water; enterococci; Enterolert; most probable number; presence-absence; Quanti-Tray; recreational water; source water; Enteroviruses ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.060.70 (Examination of water for biological properties)

DOI: 10.1520/D6503-99R09

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D6503