The number of methods described were selected because they have been successfully used to monitor water quality or to detect pathogens associated with water contact diseases. Some are included because they have characteristics that fulfill a unique purpose, i.e., high volume enumeration techniques for measuring bacteria that normally occur in water at very low densities. The bacterial indicator methods, if used properly, are an effective means of monitoring water quality and thereby protecting groups at risk against pathogens associated with fecal material from humans and other warm-blooded animals. The methods that isolate frank and opportunistic pathogens from water samples are most useful for identifying the source of these organisms during disease outbreaks associated with water contact. This report contains a 127 reference bibliography.