What does the HPC (heterotrophic plate count) test measure?

The HPC (heterotrophic plate count) test measures the total amount of bacteria present in a water sample, encompassing both pathogenic and non-pathogenic types. It specifically examines the number of heterotrophic bacteria that can grow in an aerobic environment under specified temperature conditions. The primary purpose of the HPC test is to assess the overall bacterial quality of drinking water, serving as an indicator of water contamination and effectiveness of water treatment processes.

This test is crucial for evaluating the microbial quality of drinking water, as a significant presence of heterotrophic bacteria may reflect the proliferation of waterborne pathogens or indicate a problem with water treatment systems. While it does not specifically identify pathogens, it can provide insights into the potential microbial load in the water, contributing to the overall understanding of water safety.