First-of-its-Kind Handheld Device Launches to Protect Public Health with Real-Time Water Quality Testing

Published On: 13 May 2025Last Updated: 13 May 2025By CornishStuff

Truro-developed Bactiquick gives swimmers and surfers rapid results in just 15 minutes

A first-of-its-kind water testing device is being launched to help protect public health, giving swimmers, surfers and sea lovers instant insight into whether the water is safe to enjoy.

Bactiquick, developed by Truro-based technology company Molendotech, provides real-time water quality results in just 15 minutes – a huge leap from the traditional 24+ hour wait time. It uses advanced endotoxin detection to identify a wide range of harmful bacteria, well beyond the standard E. coli test.

Launching on 15th May, to coincide with the start of the official bathing water season, the device is designed for use on the go, weighing less than 250g and no bigger than a coffee mug.

“Despite having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the UK ranks last in Europe for bathing water quality,” said Professor Simon Jackson, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Molendotech.

“Bacteria in our rivers and ocean is a real risk for water lovers’ health. Pollution from untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, septic tanks and even wildlife can cause high levels of bacteria. And factors like tides, currents and wind direction mean that these are changing constantly.”

“That means when results are released, they are probably already out of date and only scratch the surface when it comes to testing for bacteria. Real-time testing is essential.”

Simple, fast and designed for everyday water users

Bactiquick makes water quality testing quick and accessible for the public, using a traffic light display system based on the Environment Agency’s classifications. This allows users to clearly see the risk level without needing any lab equipment or scientific knowledge.

The device detects bacteria linked to a wide range of serious health issues including gastroenteritis, pneumonia, UTIs, meningitis, dysentery and Legionnaires’ disease. These include:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Vibrio
Leptospira
Shigella spp
Acinetobacter baumannii
Salmonella typhi
E. coli
Enterococci
Legionella spp

With antibiotic resistance on the rise, rapid testing for these harmful bugs is becoming more important than ever.

“Our break-through technology provides rapid results and is much more reliable. Water users no longer need to rely on traditional methods and choose between skipping a dip if there’s a pollution alert or risk getting sick if they take the plunge. Everyone deserves to know the water quality before diving in,” said Professor Jackson.

Validated and trusted

Bactiquick’s underlying testing method has been validated by the Environment Agency, CEFAS (the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science), and Campden BRI.

Its industrial version, known as Bacterisk, is already in use across the UK and internationally by water companies and public bodies.

Now, for the first time, this advanced technology is being made available to everyday swimmers and beachgoers. Several water companies are already in talks to roll out Bactiquick in partnership with local groups.

In Sidmouth, the Town Council is supporting daily water testing by Sidmouth Lifeboat Lifeguards, who will share results with the community to help people make informed decisions before entering the water.

“Public health is our priority, but we know current testing and the resulting low or high risk designation isn’t reliable,” said Councillor Ian Barlow, Chair of Sidmouth’s Environment Working Group.

“By the time samples are taken and tests have been completed, days have passed and it’s either too late or the conditions have changed. This has a huge impact on mental and physical health and our coastal economy, sometimes needlessly.”