Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) for Bacteria in Water

Sample Reports   HPC Report

Summary

The Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) is used to count non-specific bacteria in water. The method is specifically applicable for the analysis of drinking water sources under EPA's Surface Water Treatment Rule (40 CFR 141.74) and reagent water used in microbiology laboratories, but may also be used for other waters and wastewaters. HPC may be used to monitor changes in the bacteriological quality of finished water throughout a distribution system, thus giving an indication of the effectiveness of chlorination or other disinfection in the system as well as the possible existence of cross-connections, sediment accumulations and other problems within the distribution lines.