The water supply should be monitored for which three types of contaminants?

Monitoring the water supply for bacterial, chemical, and heavy metal contaminants is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for laboratory animals. Bacterial contamination can lead to disease outbreaks and affect the overall health and well-being of the animals. Chemical contaminants may include hormones, pharmaceuticals, and other substances that can impact animal physiology and research outcomes. Heavy metals pose significant risks, as they can cause toxicity and long-term health issues in animals.

Ensuring the water quality through the examination of these three types of contaminants helps in compliance with regulatory standards and supports the integrity of scientific research. The monitoring protocols are established to prevent any negative consequences that could arise from contaminated water, thereby safeguarding both the animals used in research and the validity of the resulting data.