This document specifies requirements and gives guidance for performing the manipulations common to each culture technique for the microbiological examination of water, particularly the preparation of samples, culture media, and general apparatus and glassware, unless otherwise required in the specific standard. It also describes the various techniques available for detection and enumeration by culture and the criteria for determining which technique is appropriate.

This document is mainly intended for examinations for bacteria, yeasts and moulds, but some aspects are also applicable to bacteriophages, viruses and parasites. It excludes techniques not based on culturing microorganisms, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods.