The-objective of the study was t o compare the routinely used bacterial indicator systems of faecal pollution, the coliforms and faecal coliforms with faecal streptococci and spores of sulphite reducing anaerobes (Clostridia) t o assess their importance in determining the bacterial quality of water. A total of 8 4 samples of water from the Kandy clistribution system of water were tested. Percentage of samples that were found to be contaminated by the three indicators, coliforms, faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci are 37%. 15% and 54% respectively. I t was found that the use of faecal streptococci t o determine faecal pollution of treated tapwater has additional advantage over the presently used coliform, faecal colifom indicator systems. Results of the use of Clostndium spores in determining the hygienic quality of water was found to be unsatisfactory.