SUMMARYFifty-eight bottles of natural mineral water, taken from the point of sale, were bacteriologically examined. No coliforms or Aeromonas sp. were isolated from any sample. High total bacterial counts were found particularly in the still waters. Most of the organisms isolated in the total counts were Gram-negative rods, but Gram-positive organisms were also isolated. Gram-positive cocci were further identified, some of which were known human commensals suggesting contamination of the waters prior to bottling.

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SUMMARYSwabs and water samples from a hospital water system were cultured for legionellae over an extended period. Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1, including outbreak associated strains, were isolated in small numbers from approximately 5% of these samples despite implementation of the current DHSS/Welsh Office regulations. No cases of nosocomial legionnaires' disease were proven during the study. Physical cleaning and chemical sterilization of taps, and replacement of washers with 'approved' brands did not eradicate the organisms. Eradication of legionellae in hospital water supplies appears to be unnecessary in preventing nosocomial legionnaires' disease provided the current DHSS/Welsh Office recommendations are implemented.

SUMMARYA survey on the bacteriological quality of both drinking water and flavoured drinks from coin-operated vending machines is reported. Forty-four per cent of 25 drinking water samples examined contained coliforms and 84% had viable counts of greater than 1000 organisms ml at 30 'C. Thirty-one flavoured drinks were examined; 6 % contained coliforms and 39 % had total counts greater than 1000 organisms ml. It is suggested that the D.H.S.S. code of practice on coinoperated vending machines is not being followed. It is also suggested that drinking water alone should not be dispensed from such machines.

SUMMARYA total of 100 tropical aquaria from six pet shops were sampled for the presence ofSalmonella, CampylobacterandAeromonasspecies. Eight fish tanks contained unusual serotypes of salmonella. None had been used to house terrapins. One hundred and three isolates ofAeromonasspecies were obtained from 98 tanks. One tank containedPlesiomonas shigelloides.NoCampylobacterspecies were isolated. It is suggested that a tropical aquarium may constitute an infection hazard.