Clostridia testing in water samples

Laboratories of Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing provide UKAS No. 9658 & 1369 accredited Clostridia testing across a wide range of water types for water treatment and water management professionals.

Understanding Clostridia in water

Clostridia, particularly Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), are spore-forming bacteria used as indicators of historic or intermittent faecal contamination. Because they are highly resistant to disinfection and environmental stress, their spores can persist in water long after other bacterial indicators have disappeared. Detecting C. perfringens can therefore indicate potential survival of other pathogens and is valuable for assessing the long-term microbiological safety of water supplies.

Supporting compliance and source assessment*

Clostridia testing is recognised under the Public Water Supplies (Scotland) Regulations 2014, Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 (England & Wales), and Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016, as referenced by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).

It is particularly useful for evaluating groundwater, springs, and treatment performance, especially where chlorination or filtration is applied. Because C. perfringens spores are resilient, their presence may highlight historic contamination, reduced treatment efficiency, or ingress of surface water.

*Regulatory information is for general guidance only and may not reflect the most recent regulatory changes. Always consult official sources for up-to-date legislation.

Accredited testing methods

Our UKAS-accredited laboratories provide validated culture-based methods for the enumeration of Clostridium perfringens (including spores). Testing can be performed on source waters, treated drinking water, and water from the built environment. Results are typically available within 48 to 72 hours depending on matrix and project requirements.

Trusted by water industry professionals

Local authorities, private water suppliers, water treatment contractors, and environmental consultants across the UK rely on Eurofins water hygiene testing for dependable and compliant microbiological analysis. Whether supporting a one-off investigation or an ongoing monitoring programme, our testing delivers accuracy, consistency, and regulatory alignment, with methods developed to reflect current UK and EU standards and industry best practice.

Why choose Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing

  • UKAS-accredited Clostridia testing, including perfringens
  • Suitable for drinking, groundwater, and surface water samples
  • Supports compliance with DWI and water quality regulations
  • Reliable turnaround times and secure reporting
  • Backed by a national refrigerated logistics network for timely, quality-assured sample delivery

UK-wide drop-off facilities

Eurofins UK clients benefit from our extensive and free to use logistics and sample drop-off network with over 60 drop-off locations.

Sample bottles

To ensure that we are able to test your water chemistry samples please submit them in appropriate sample bottles. 

Get in touch

Would you like to find out more about our water hygiene testing and compliance services? Contact Eurofins Water Hygiene Testing UK today by submitting an enquiry form or calling +44 (0) 845 604 6740.

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