ABSTRACT
The need for monitoring of drinking water sources for toxic cyanobacteria derives from their identification as a potential hazard to consumers. For the assessment of risk from cyanobacteria in water supplies, hazard characterization is required, which includes data for occurrence of the hazard as well as the extent of the hazard. To provide this information, the monitoring of water sources is essential. Monitoring supplies the key data from which management decisions are made to avoid or minimize risk to consumers. Effective monitoring will provide predictive information that can be used to guide remedial measures in advance of any formation of a toxic bloom. When water blooms occur, monitoring will assist in assessing the extent of the hazard to consumers and guide the response of the supply operator. Without monitoring, the public health risk increases sharply, to the point where adverse health effects occur.
