Rising populations around the globe have resulted in an ever-increasing need for potable waters. Communities obtain their potable water from surface or underground sources. The contaminations of these source waters with viruses and other pathogens and parasites has been well documented. The source waters, particularly groundwater, are sometimes consumed without any treatment or after being only disinfected. They are also subjected to the full treatment provided by conventional water treatment plants. Do these plants provide a safe barrier against virus breakthrough. Are classical water quality parameters adequate for guaranteeing safe drinking water from virological standpoint. What are the priorities with respect to research on viruses in drinking water. To attempt to answer some of these questions, they will review the available literature dealing with virus monitoring of drinking water and then make comments on detection methods, indicators, effect of water treatment processes on virus removal and finally epidemiological health significance of viruses in drinking water.