Which pathogen is primarily tested for in drinking water?

The primary pathogen tested in drinking water is indeed bacteria. Routine testing focuses on certain indicator bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and enterococci, which serve as markers for potential fecal contamination and the presence of harmful pathogens. This approach is effective because the presence of indicator bacteria suggests that other pathogens may also be present in the water, thus posing a health risk.

While other pathogens, including viruses and protozoa, are also important in the context of water safety, bacteria remain the most common focus for routine water quality testing due to their relative ease of detection and the established methods for testing. Identifying bacterial contamination quickly can lead to timely interventions to protect public health.

Although pathogens is a broad term that encompasses viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, the specific mention of bacteria highlights their primary role in standard water testing protocols.