Case history: Rapid Identification of Norovirus Contamination in Prague Using BACTcontrol
When Minutes Matter: Rapid Screening During a Major Drinking Water Incident
In May 2015, one of the most significant drinking water contamination incidents in the Czech Republic affected the Prague 6 (Dejvice) district. Following wastewater intrusion into a drinking water main, hundreds of people reported gastroenterological illness, creating an urgent need to identify the source and extent of contamination as quickly as possible.
The Challenge
Traditional microbiological and virological analyses are essential for confirmation, but results are often not available during the critical first hours of an incident.
Prague Waterworks needed a rapid screening tool that could:
- Quickly identify affected and unaffected areas
- Support targeted sampling and flushing operations
- Accelerate decision-making during the crisis
- Complement laboratory-based microbiological and virological testing
Approximately 500 people sought medical attention, while emergency services transported around 150 patients for treatment.
The Solution
A BACTcontrol analyzer was rapidly deployed to support the investigation.
The system was used to:
- Screen drinking water samples from multiple locations across the network
- Detect biologically active fecal contamination indicators
- Compare contamination levels between different areas
- Support prioritization of follow-up investigations and corrective actions
BACTcontrol provided valuable operational insight while confirmatory laboratory analyses were still in progress.
Key Results
Rapid screening of samples from multiple locations
Faster identification of affected and non-affected areas
Support for targeted flushing and inspections
Earlier situational awareness during the critical response phase
Complementary tool alongside microbiological and virological analyses
Contributed to identifying the wastewater intrusion zone
Why This Project Matters
The Prague incident demonstrated that rapid biological screening can provide critical decision support during drinking water emergencies. While BACTcontrol does not replace laboratory confirmation, it significantly improves response capability by providing actionable information when time is essential.
Download the Full Case History
Discover how BACTcontrol helped Prague Waterworks rapidly assess contamination risks and support crisis management during a major norovirus-related drinking water incident.
Download the full case history and learn how rapid microbiological screening can strengthen your emergency response strate
