The effect of hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) on the removal of microorganisms in potable water were investigated using a laboratory scale device. The hydrodynamic cavitation setup consisted of a 25 L tank, a positive displacement pump (1.5 kW), and a cavitation device. Single-hole orifice plates with diameters of 3 mm was used as cavitation devices. The diameter of the main line was 19 mm, and the discharge well was placed below the liquid level in the tank to avoid introducing air. Hydrodynamic cavitation experiments were run for 150 min, and the samples were collected from the tank at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 min. The optimal cavitation time was 60-90 min with a pump pressure of 5 bar. Results showed that after 90 min of cavitation, bacterial removal percentages of 94% to 100% (log 1.23) were obtained. Experiments showed that hydrodynamic cavitationis very effective in reducing bacterial ability. Hydrodynamic cavitation can be effectively used for the microbial disinfection of potable water.