This second edition is a thoroughly well-written and well-presented publication which delivers exactly what it says on the cover - a practical manual on groundwater microbiology, ranging from the latest developments at the high-tech end of microbiology to rapid, rough-and-ready tests that can be performed in the field or hotel bar (at last a use for Tennessee whiskey, as only single malt Scotch should actually be ingested; fantastic idea and the GAQD Test for IRBs should be the standard for all practical field microbiology tests in the future). Chapter 9 can be treated as a standalone and will be invaluable to those coming to the subject with little background in microbiology, or for those who wish an in-depth but accessible source with which to update themselves, which makes this book a must as a library resource for all those interested in groundwater microbiology. The excellent series of annexes compliments the main chapters and contains a wealth of information and advice that will make this publication an invaluable resource for all practitioners.