Microbiology testing of water focuses on identifying and quantifying microorganisms present in water samples. This includes bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other microorganisms that may pose health risks to humans or indicate contamination. Common microbiological tests for water include coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), total and fecal coliforms, enterococci, heterotrophic plate count (HPC), and presence of specific pathogens like Legionella or Cryptosporidium. These tests are essential for assessing water quality, ensuring safety for drinking, recreational use, or environmental protection. Testing is typically performed using culture-based methods, molecular techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or membrane filtration.