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Viral pathogens are a significant cause of waterborne illnesses, including gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. Their detection and isolation in the environment has historically been difficult, due to the range of illnesses they may cause, method limitations, and their low concentration in water. Waterborne illnesses from viral pathogens has been reported for all water types; a majority of recreational water-associated outbreaks have been linked to viral pathogens, as well.3 Microbial indicators of fecal contamination have been implemented in water quality monitoring for a number of years throughout the world. Despite the evidence of viral pathogens in water, current recreation and drinking water standards in most countries rely heavily on fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), such as Escherichia coli, coliforms, and enterococci. Multiple issues are associated with using FIB for assessment of water quality.
