This document gives requirements and 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. This document 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. Techniques not based on culturing microorganisms, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods, are excluded from the scope.