The paper presents results of microbiological quality of three drinking water sources – Ratno ostrvo, Petrovaradinska ada and Strand. The following analyses were carried out in 2010: total count of aerobic mesophilic bacteria at 37 deg C, count of organotrophs (categorization according to Kohl), aerobic facultative organotrophs, lipolytic and hydrocarbon oxidizing bacteria. Organotrophic count was determined on low nutritive R2A medium. Enzymatic activity of water was also determined and water was categorized according to index of phosphatase activity (IFA).

The microbiological quality of the groundwater was monitored by determining relevant physiological groups of bacteria (organotrophic bacteria) which are indicators of water organic pollution. Standard high nutritive medium (Nutrient Agar) and low nutritive medium (R2A agar) were used. The enzymatic activity was also estimated based on IFA determination (index of phosphatase activity). According to the number of organotrophic bacteria and categorization by Kohl (Kohl, 1975) water is generally classified in category II. IFA showed variation of water quality, which varied from polluted to very pollute. The results showed organic pollution of groundwater and confirmed the sensitivity of enzymatic methods. In addition, cultivation methods confirmed superiority of low nutritive media.

The results of microbiological analyses of raw water of two water supplies of city of Novi Sad (Ratno Ostrvo and Petrovaradinska Ada) are presented. The sampling was performed monthly during 2008 and 2009. The following parameters were monitored: aerobic mesophilic bacteria count at 37 deg C, organotroph count (water categorization according to Kohl), facultative oligotrophs, lipolitic and hydrocarbon-oxidizing bacteria count. The count of organotrophic bacteria was determined using low nutritive R2A medium. In addition, water was classified according to enzymatic activity of water, expressed as index of phosphatase activity (IFA).

Content of arsenic in groundwater form south Banat which are used for water supply of local population was determined. 228 wells were analyzed, and for arsenic determination was used atomic apsorption spectrometry - graphite furnace technique (Perkin Elmer Analyst 700). Arsenic is detected in concentrations over 10 microgram/l in several locations: Pancevo (water supply Filter Stanica, Gradska Suma, OB, and in part of water supply Sibnica), Kovin, Dubovac, Idvor, Veliki Gaj, Glogonj, Sefkerin and part of Sakule. The lowest concentrations of arsenic are detected in the territory of Deliblatska Pescara and municipalities of Vrsac and Bela Crkva.

In the paper is presented the microbiological quality of groundwater of drinking water supply Strand which is important water source for the city of Novi Sad (Serbia). The examinations were carried out using high and low nutritive media. The count of physiological groups, that are relevant from the aspect of organic pollution and phosphatase activity were also monitored. The results indicate potential organical pollution and need for protection of the water supply Strand.

Biofilm is a complex aggregation of microorganisms, principally bacteria, associated with their extracellular polymers, and surface attached. Many bacteria, mainly saprophytes, but also some oportunistic human pathogens, live in a water sypplying system. Depending on water quality and other factors, these bacteria are able to form biofilms. The formed biofilm is usually resistant to traditional supply system treating methods, including disinfection. The aim of this study is to make a contribution to the knowledge about bacteria Pseudomonas aeroginosa in biofilm structure. By understanding biofilms, wrong interpretation of microbiological results in water supply system samples analyses could be avoided.

Biofilm naturally occurs in many water distributive systems. The aim of the paper is to determine biofilm forming potential of bacteria isolated from tap water from Novi Sad. A colometric crystal violet microtitre plate test was used to determine bacterial potential to form biofilm. The results show that some isolates have a great potential to form biofilm, especially when grow on higher temperature and in the reach nutritive media.

Growing number of population require growing demand for water. In Sremska Mitrovica area geohydrology conditions of neogen sequence have properties of good collector for groundwater. Geological factors are such that atresian groundwater in Sremska Mitrovica area are divided in four hydrogeological zones. In all zones physical and chemical characteristics of groundwater comply with conditions for water supply.

Groundwater of Serbia is strategic natural resource which provides drinking water for about 75-80% of population. This resource is however not properly utilized and protected from pollution in accordance to its importance. Accepting to achieve the targets of EU Water Frame Directive, Serbia is in fact confirms the aim to better explore and protect the groundwater. The paper describes different activities planned under the project prepared in 2006 by the experts from leading Serbian institutions in water sector and in geology. Implementing this project until 2011 could create an ambience for future more sustainable exploitation and protection of the groundwater.

Region of Banat (Serbia) could solve a problem concerning drinking water by construction of a regional water supply system. These issues are elaborated in the Pre-feasibility Study for the construction of regional water supply system Dubovac-Zrenjanin-Kikinda, which is based on a concept of centralized water supply system, providing water from the unique source to the municipality centers. Some solutions concerning these issues with feasibility analysis are presented in this paper.