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The microbiological quality of recreational waters (RW) has been assessed through the use of microbial indicators. Usually, three typical fecal bacteria, namely fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., are deemed by legislation and regulatory agencies for routine monitoring of the fecal contamination in RW. However, these traditional indicators have some limitations, as they underestimate health risks and do not determine the sources of contamination. Currently, the increasing concern with the minimization of human health risks associated with recreational water use and the protection of water resources outweigh the actual normative perspective. The potentials and limitations of conventional and alternative fecal contamination detection systems must be carefully evaluated, taking into account the specificities of each recreational water body and the natural or anthropogenic sources of …