AWWA JAW62680

Faced with the threat of contamination and resulting public health consequences, the water industry needs rapid analysis of water samples in the field and at sufficiently low detection levels. This article describes a simple sample concentration method that increases the sensitivity of some rapid analytical techniques (e.g., polymerase chain reaction, rapid immunoassay), thus allowing them to yield results of public health significance. The method permits concentration of bacteria, protozoans, and potentially even viruses that could be used for intentional contamination of water supplies. This field concentration method does not require highly skilled personnel or specialized training and can be successfully implemented by site characterization teams, regardless of whether they are composed of utility personnel, hazardous material responders, or staff from state or federal agencies. The ability to analyze water samples rapidly, accurately, and at sufficiently low concentrations will allow water providers to respond more quickly and effectively to contamination threats. Includes 8 references, tables, figures.