Low DNA Taq HS, 5 U/uL is a highly purified chemically modified hot start Taq DNA polymerase and buffer system, with separate magnesium. It is inactive at ambient temperature, avoiding extension of non-specifically annealed primers or primer dimers and providing higher specificity of DNA amplification. Low DNA Taq HS, 5 U/uL catalyzes 5′-3′ synthesis and possesses low 5′-3′ exonuclease activity, however these are not detectable before activation, enhancing PCR sensitivity. The functional activity of the enzyme is restored during a 10-minute incubation at 95 C. The low DNA background and stringent hot-start properties of Low DNA Taq HS, 5 U/uL are ideal for PCR of low-copy bacterial targets and avoiding false-positive amplification, such as in water testing.