Water Microbiology Proficiency Testing Scheme

• Potable Water is offered monthly;
• Even months (February, April, June, August, October and December): All tests/methods
• Odd months (January, March, May, July, September, November): Total Coliforms/E. coli via Presence/Absence only

• Potable Water - Clostridium perfringens (including spores) is offered in February, April, June, August, October and December

• Potable Water is offered in February, April, June, August, October and December: All tests/methods

• Potable Water - Clostridium perfringens (including spores) is also offered in February, April, June, August, October and December

• Receiving (Recreational) Water: March, July, September, and November

• Receiving (Recreational) Water: April, August and October

• Effluent Water: May, August and October

• Effluent Water: June, August and October

• Sea Water: April, October, December

• Pool Water: February, April, June August, October

Water Microbiology Sample Description

The Global Proficiency Water Microbiology programme is split into five product types; Potable Water, Receiving (Recreational) Water, Effluent Water, Sea (Marine) Water and Pool Water. Each product offers samples as a two-sample set and is offered between three and twelve times per year. 

For on-line data entry please go to Global Proficiency's Virtual Proficiency

For more information on any aspect of the water microbiology programme, please contact us. 

Within three weeks from the date the results are due, participants are emailed a comprehensive report with a summary of their performance and ratings. The graphical report shows a histogram and scatter plot of results for the round, and a control chart summarising results for the previous year. A rating is given as an interpretation of performance using set criteria for both bias and ‘repeatability’. A score of Good, OK or Alert is issued for every test giving each customer prompt feedback on their accuracy and precision for each test performed.