Introduction to Water Microbiology

Course overview

This online self-paced training covers the fundamentals of water microbiology within the drinking water supply system. Upon course completion, delegates will be able to:

• Describe the importance of microbiology in water supply
• Explain the cause and consequence of waterborne disease
• Summarise how the principles of water hygiene are maintained in water supply
• Determine how regulation and guidance can support the protection of public health
  
• Evaluate the opportunities and challenges associated with use of recycled water

Who can benefit?

Delegates may include those beginning their career in Microbiology and are needing to build upon their knowledge of water microbiology to support their future career. For example, apprentices, college students, university graduates or those interested in public health.

Individuals may also be drawn from any area of business where an introductory level of water microbiology is needed to assist in their decision making, for example public health, water industry or regulatory professionals and consultants in the areas of water quality and clean water supply.

Training outline

Flexible course delivery via our online leaning platform allows delegates to complete easily-digestible tutorials, exercises and quizzes at their own pace and around their own schedules (equivalent of 1 day's learning). 

The course price includes the exclusive opportunity for a 1 hour 1-1 mentoring session (online video or audio call) in English with this course's dedicated Technical Specialist. This is a great opportunity for participants to reflect on what they have learned, ask any questions, and benefit from an individual discussion with a WRc expert at a time that suits (within normal UK working hours).

• Wholesome Water: the requirements of wholesome water, the importance of microbial water quality and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
  
• Principle of Hygiene: John Snow and Broad Street pump incident, Germ Theory and transmission routes.
• Types of Waterborne Pathogens and the Health Effects: Types of pathogens, health effects, Zoonotic pathogens and opportunistic pathogens.
• The Occurence and Distribution of Waterborne Pathogens: Endemic and epidemic, distribution environmental fate and recovery and detection. 
• Faecal Indicator Bacteria: Coliforms and E.Coli, Enterococci and C.Perfringens
• Water Safety Planning: The supply of water - source to tap, hazards and hazardous events, monitoring programs and the control measures. 
• Sources of Pollution - Raw Water: Groundwaters and surface waters, point and diffuse sources of pollution and pathogen loadings.
• Water Treatment Processes - The Principles: Primary, secondary and tertiary treatment. 
• Water Distribution - Maintaining Hygiene: Residual disinfection and preventing cross-contamination.
• Biofilms: What is a biofilm and the importance of biofilm management and control. 
• Regulations and Guidance: Operational testing and compliance testing.
• Investigating Failures - Cryptosporidium Case Study: Consumer complaints, investigating root-cause and the consequences for Water Quality management. 
• Recycled Water: Opportunities and challenges and the acceptable levels of risk.