Metagenomic evaluation of bacteria in drinking water using full-length 16S rRNA amplicons

Abstract

ABSTRACT Escherichia coli and total coliforms are important tools for identifying potential faecal contamination in drinking water. However, metagenomics offers a powerful approach for delving deeper into a bacterial community when E. coli or total coliforms are detected. Metagenomics can identify microbes native to water systems, track community changes and potential pathogens introduced by contamination events, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment processes. Here, we demonstrate how the dual application of traditional monitoring practices and metagenomics can improve monitoring and surveillance for water resource management. The robustness of long-read metagenomics across replicates is demonstrated by the effect and interaction between manganese filters and bacterial communities, as well as the impact of chlorination after coliform detection. These examples reveal how metagenomics can identify the complex bacterial communities in the distribution system and the source waters used to supply drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs). The knowledge gained increases confidence in identified causes and mitigations of potential contamination events. By exploring bacterial communities, we can gain additional insights into the impact of faecal contamination events and treatment processes. This insight enables more precise remediation actions and enhances confidence in communicating health risks to drinking water operators and the public.