Proactive Water Safety Plans and Remediation Solutions for Microbial Risk Reduction in Water

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Microorganisms focuses on the critical role of Water Safety Plans (WSPs) and remediation strategies in managing microbial risks, with a particular emphasis on controlling waterborne pathogens. It highlights the diverse array of microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and biofilm-forming microbial communities—that pose significant challenges to the safety and quality of drinking water and engineered water systems. In particular, this Special Issue emphasizes the design, development, implementation, and effectiveness of WSPs as holistic, science-driven frameworks for identifying, assessing, and mitigating microbiological hazards throughout the entire water supply chain—from source water to point-of-use.

Special attention is given to the complex dynamics of microbial colonization and persistence in plumbing systems, cooling towers, and distribution networks, including opportunistic pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium avium complex, and other biofilm-associated bacteria.

This Special Issue also explores advanced microbiological monitoring tool—such as molecular diagnostics, metagenomics, flow cytometry, and rapid microbial risk assessment models—which enable early detection and quantification of microbial contaminants, biofilm development, and antimicrobial resistance markers.

In addition, it presents diverse remediation approaches, encompassing physical methods, chemical treatments, and innovative biological interventions, aimed at disrupting microbial biofilms and reducing viable pathogen loads. Contributions also include case studies demonstrating successful implementation of microbial control strategies in diverse settings, from municipal water systems to healthcare facility plumbing, highlighting challenges, limitations, and best practices for microbial risk management.

By combining the latest advances in microbiological research with engineering innovations and regulatory frameworks, this Special Issue highlights the essential role of proactive microbial risk management plans. These approaches not only may help prevent the occurrence and spread of waterborne disease outbreaks but also promote sustainable water safety, ensuring public health safety despite emerging microbial risks and fluctuating environmental conditions.

Dr. Maria Anna Coniglio
Guest Editor

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