It is a common practice for utility managers to determine the
organic matrix of water by measuring the dissolved organic
carbon (DOC) or total organic carbon concentrations and
regulating water quality by fixing acceptable thresholds. Although
this quantitative approach is generally satisfactory, problems
appear during periods of algal proliferation or heavy rainfall,
when the water's biodegradable organic fraction may increase
dramatically. This study was specifically designed to provide
answers about coliform occurrence during these seasonal events.
The results confirm the important effect of the origin of
dissolved organic matter on the microbiological stability in low-nutritive
waters, including drinking water, diluted river water
after a heavy rainfall, and diluted algal bloom water. Further,
the results indicate that low-nutritive waters with equivalent
DOC concentrations conveying organic matter from different
origins, and likely to partially pass through the treatment step,
allowed the temporary maintenance of the culturability of some
coliform bacteria. Includes 36 references, tables, figures.