The expansion of the urban population within Bertam river catchment in Cameron Highlands
increased the input of organic matter to the river system. It originates from sewage and fertilizers, through point
sources and non-point sources of pollution. This organic pollution causes very severe bio-contamination with
bacteria and viruses, which can cause some serious diseases. On the other hand, it is apparent that an
assessment of water quality cannot focus on chemical indicators alone, but must instead focus on indicators
that integrate the effects of physical, chemical and biological contaminations. Therefore, in this research the
pH, EC, TDS, COD, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphor and E.coli at four points (SP1 to SP4) of Bertam river and
five points (SP5 to SP9) of its tributaries were measured during average and high water flow to determine and
specify the level of pollution in the river. Results show water quality of the Bertam river deteriorates and
continues just after its origin at SP1 as huge increase of total solids up to 4000 mg/L was observed during high
water flow at SP2 while it was around 5 mg/L at SP1 in same period. Also the high concentrations of
Total Nitrogen and Phosphorus was observed at SP2 (17 mg/L N and 14 mg/L P) and SP5 ( 9.7 mg/L N and
8.7 mg/L P) during high water flow. Finally, the presence of E.coli of more than 200 MPN/100ml was found at
SP2, SP3 and SP7.