Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting a microorganism in a sample, the method comprising: a) filtering a sample through a filter to entrap any microorganisms present in the sample; b) treating the filter to release genomic material or DNA from the entrapped microorganisms; c) amplifying the genomic material or DNA released from the entrapped microorganisms; and d) identifying specific regions of the genomic material or DNA to determine the presence, identify the species or quantify the approximate number of any entrapped microorganisms.