Using Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis as model microorganisms, water disinfection has been demonstrated with singlet molecular oxygen (a reactive oxygen species) photogenerated by polymer-supported Ru(II) sensitizers and solar light. Both laboratory and sunlight tests were performed. The Ru(II) polypyridyl complex and its insoluble support have been optimized to provide maximum efficiency of singlet oxygen production and contact with the microorganism. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.