The standard specifies a method for the enumeration of culturable micro-organisms in water by counting the colonies formed in a nutrient agar culture medium after aerobic incubation at 37 °C and 22 °C. The method is intended to measure the operational efficiency of the treatment process of public drinking water supplies and for general application to all types of water. It is particularly applicable to the examination of water intended for human consumption, including water in closed containers and to natural mineral waters.