Oliver, David M.Porter, Kenneth D. H.Yakov, A. PachepskyMuirhead, Richard W.Reaney, Sim M.Coffey, RoryKay, DavidMilledge, David G.Hong, EunmiAnthony, Steven G.Page, TrevorBloodworth, JackMellander, Per-ErikCarbonneau, Patrice E.McGrane, Scott J.Quilliam, Richard S.2016-08-182016-08-182015-12-03Oliver DM, Porter KDH, Pachepsky YA, et al., (2016) Predicting microbial water quality with models: over-arching questions for managing risk in agricultural catchments. Science of The Total Environment, Volume 544, February 2016, pp. 39-470048-9697https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.086.http://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/10345The application of models to predict concentrations of faecal indicator organisms (FIOs) in environmental systems plays an important role for guiding decision-making associated with the management of microbial water quality. In recent years there has been an increasing demand by policy-makers for models to help inform FIO dynamics in order to prioritise efforts for environmental and human-health protection. However, given the limited evidence-base on which FIO models are built relative to other agricultural pollutants (e.g. nutrients) it is imperative that the end-user expectations of FIO models are appropriately managed. In response, this commentary highlights four over-arching questions associated with: (i) model purpose; (ii) modelling approach; (iii) data availability; and (iv) model application, that must be considered as part of good practice prior to the deployment of any modelling approach to predict FIO behaviour in catchment systems. A series of short and longer-term research priorities are proposed in response to these questions in order to promote better model deployment in the field of catchment microbial dynamics.pp. 39-47enCatchment managementDiffuse pollutionFaecal indicator organismHuman healthPathogensArticle544