This issue of Water Resources Update focuses on microbial pathogens. We highlight some surprising research findings and ongoing efforts to reduce faecal contamination of our waterways. – Jim Cooke, Centre Leader. Why children shouldn't play in duck ponds It may still surprise some people to learn that water is typically most contaminated in catchments with large numbers of birds, rather than farmed animals. That’s one finding of a ‘Pathogen Occurrence and Human Health Risk Assessment Analysis’ published by the health and environment ministries.

This issue of Water Resources Update focuses on microbial pathogens. We highlight some surprising research findings and ongoing efforts to reduce faecal contamination of our waterways.