Microbiological monitoring of river water quality is obligatory for use-related aspects such as drinking water production, irrigation and recreation. Assessment of the microbiological quality of water and sediment at the Velika Morava River was performed at five sites, during 2010 and 2011. By applying standard procedures for sanitary correctness and organic load assessment, total of 16 parameters were analyzed. Results of analysis indicated that microbiological water quality of the Velika Morava River is unsatisfactory.

Physico-chemical and microbiological analysis of Brvenica River water was conducted in period 2006-2010 and showed seasonal variations of water quality. The results of correspondence analysis indicated that the year 2006 regarding the physical and chemical characteristics of water, was different from the rest of the examined period. This year was characterized by the absence of ammonia, low contents of nitrite, iron and chlorine, and increased concentrations of KMnO4 consumption. In 2007 and 2008 presence of manganese in water, low concentration of KMnO4 consumption was detected as well increased turbidity and electrical conductivity. And the third distinguish period are years 2009 and 2010 when water was characterized by low concentration of NO3, and the presence of ammonia, NO2, and iron in the water, while turbidity was low and conductivity was average. In Brvenica River water Escherichia coli, Citrobacter sp., Enterococcus sp., Klebsiella sp. are detected. In year 2006 number of aerobic bacteria and total coliforms were rather low, while their number in 2008 is relatively high. Over the whole period, only in 2008 fecal streptococci were not detected. Other years are characterized by growth of aerobic bacteria and total coliforms and the occasional presence of fecal streptococci. Throughout the whole examination period fecal coliform bacteria were present in the water.

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).

Creation of scientific basis for rational use of water resources is impossible without studying viability of the microorganisms, their influence on the formation of chemical properties of natural waters and an explanation of the principles of biochemical processes such as transformation of elements in the aquatic environment. The survey of microbial (bacterial) characteristics of watercourses in the Republic of Srpska was conducted on a total of 64 streams within Operational, International and National surveillance monitoring. Sampling and analysis of samples was performed during the period from May to October. The study included ecological and sanitary aspects of river quality.