Microbiology

Waterborne microbial risk management across the One Health continuum for public and environmental health

Kata Farkas is our lead expert in microbiology

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Water Quality and Risk Assessment

WRc Microbiology provides independent advice to the water industry and other stakeholders on water of all types; drinking water, wastewater, groundwater, surface waters including coastal and freshwater. Services include literature reviews, epidemiology studies, quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) and event root-cause analysis. Our work supports the assessment and control of waterborne pathogens, nuisance, and indicator organisms, enabling our clients to improve their water safety in compliance with regulation and guidance. We apply the One Health approach in our projects and can engage multi-disciplinary expertise within the wider WRc team to provide the best solutions.

Microbial Source Tracking

RSK Innovation Awards : 2025 : New Product or Service Winner.

WRc Microbiology in collaboration with ADAS Biotechnology is offering an independent UK-based commercial service on Microbial Source Tracking (MST). Our End-to-End service includes development of tailored monitoring plans and sampling (if required), testing, data interpretation and stakeholder engagement. Our MST markers are targeted to investigate faecal contamination from humans and animals. The service is applicable to freshwater and coastal sites, including bathing waters and source waters. Test result turnaround is typically ~2 weeks, and can be fast-tracked if neccessary.,

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MST

End-to-End MST service for freshwater and coastal sites, including testing and stakeholder engagement.

Research & Advice

Provision of research and reports for the industry to support regulatory compliance. WRc provides independent advice where required and foster communication between regulators and water companies

Risk Assessment

Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment is used to support bathing water quality and Water Safety Planning. WRc provides the Ct Toolbox to Disinfection Forum members.

Training

Delivery of specific training on water microbiology, sanitation and One Health. WRc have extensive experience delivering courses to national and international clients.

Reviews and Reports

Examples of some our publicly available reports and research.

  • Recycled Water Risk Assessment
  • Microbial Indicators
  • Disinfection Technologies

Whole(Some) In One: The Assessment And Management Of Risks From Re-Use Of Treated Wastewater, An Approach Developed For Irrigation Of A Golf Course In England (2024).

The working paper evaluates the health risk of using recycled wastewater for irrigation at a golf course using Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment, a framework recommended by the World Health Organization for pro-active risk management of water resources for human consumption.

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A Review of Microbial Indicators of Faecal Contamination (2026) DEFRA

The report investigates the evidence for regulatory and operational application of traditional and emerging microbial indicators, alongside detection technologies, to provide assurance of sanitary drinking water quality across the UK.

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Disinfection Technology and Alternative Disinfection for Commercial Water (2025) DWI


The report outlines a project for the Drinking Water Inspectorate on disinfection technologies used in commercial applications (such as hospitals, prisons, food factories, and ships) supplied by private or public water sources, examining their benefits, risks, regulatory context in England and Wales, and comparing practices with those in the EU, North America, and Australasia.

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    Case Study
    Cyanobacteria - a blooming nuisance!
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    The hidden threat: Understanding and managing fungi in water
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    Redefining Water Quality Monitoring with Northumbrian Water
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    Meet the Team

    Delivering innovative, science-driven solutions for waterborne microbial risk management across all water systems.

    Related services


    Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment
    More on this
    Microbial Source Tracking (MST) Service
    More on this
    Water Recycling & Reuse
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    Kata Farkas

    Principal Consultant

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