The results of 14371 drinking water analysis carried out in Madagascar between 1986 and 1993 by the water analysis and food microbiology laboratory of the Pasteur Institute of Madagascar are reported. After a history of the water analysis laboratory, methods and frequency of sampling, methods of analysis and standards applied are quoted and documented. Results for each province are reported and particularly indicated: the development of water samples and their portability along the years, the respective frequency of pollutant bacteria and their amounts according to sampling points. In spite of the lack of means in the country, the authors consider the results are satisfactory but they stress the importance of an organized surveillance system of drinking water quality.