What Is An Acceptable Heterotrophic Plate Count?

What Is An Acceptable Heterotrophic Plate Count? Heterotrophic plate count levels in potable water should be <500 CFU/mL. These levels may increase on occasion, but counts consistently >500 CFU/mL would indicate a general decrease in water quality. Is heterotrophic plate count same as total plate count? Colony counts of heterotrophic bacteria, referred to as HPC,