G033: Membrane filtration

Faecal matter is an indicator of many diseases that are transmitted by the faecal-oral route, so if faecal organisms are found in water we can assume that disease-causing organisms, commonly called ‘pathogens’, are also present. Membrane filtration is a means of testing the quality of water for faecal contamination and therefore a way of determining whether a water supply is safe, or whether the water needs treating before consumption. This guide presents an overview of the process.