Brandão, João2026-03-032026-03-032025-06-21http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/11054Although rapid detection of micro-organisms with PCR methods is well established in research, the application in the practice of water utilities lacks far behind, despite obvious potential benefits (fast, sensitive, specific) of these methods for water safety management. The drinking water sector of the Netherlands has recently received approval for the use of RT-PCR methods for Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci under the Drinking Water Directive, and have gained experience with both the steps needed to ensure the validity of the RT-PCR methods as well as their application in drinking water practice, with testing of drinking water samples after repairs or (potential) contamination events. At the European level, several institutes, health and water agencies and utilities have collaborated in an interlaboratory trial to test the comparability of the RT-PCR method for E. coli. This workshop is organised with each of the parties involved in the journey towards (accepted) implementation of RT-PCR methods for statutory monitoring in drinking water practice. Each party will show their view on the strengths, limitations and feasibility of RT-PCR methods for drinking water quality monitoring.engDrinking WaterRT-PCREscherichia ColiEuropeÁgua e Soloconference object