Bactiquick: rapid bacteria testing tool!
Bactiquick is a simple field test that checks for harmful bacteria in water. It gives you clear results in about 15 minutes. Whether you’re managing a beach, hosting a swim event, or managing waste or drinking water in a remote community, Bactiquick helps you make faster, more confident decisions about water safety. Contact us at at testkits@waterrangers.ca
Why use bactiquick?
- Get results in 15 minutes
- Low cost – $65/per test.
- Detects a range of harmful gram-negative bacteria (not just E. coli)
- Color-coded results (green, yellow, red)
- No lab or electricity required
- Easy enough for volunteers, reliable enough for professionals
Who it’s for
Beach Associations
Test water conditions quickly after rainfall or high use. Share timely results with your community and avoid long waits for lab reports.
Swim events
Check water safety before open water races. Use fast screening tools to reduce uncertainty and keep participants safe.
Families and swimmers
Want to know if your favorite spot is safe today? Test in real time and make informed decisions before you swim.
Remote and rural communities
No access to a lab? Bactiquick brings water testing to your shoreline, campground, or remote station without needing expensive equipment.
Industry and construction
Test water near work sites or stormwater outlets. Use Bactiquick for early warnings and routine environmental checks. Check out the Bacterisk – the version of Bactiquick that allows you to process up to 10 samples at a time, and get your results in 15 minutes.
Bacteria and other risks in recreational waters
Recreational waters can contain bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause different health problems. Most commonly these lead to skin, ear, or eye infections and stomach illnesses (diarrhea, vomiting). In rare cases, especially for people with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions, bacteria can lead to severe infections or bloodstream infections. A few of the many organisms and hazards to be aware of:
- E. coli — an indicator of fecal contamination in freshwater; high levels are linked to increased risk of gastrointestinal illness.
- Enterococci — commonly used as an indicator for marine (saltwater) contamination.
- Vibrio spp. (e.g., V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus) — found in warm, salty or brackish water; can cause gastroenteritis and wound infections; some strains can be severe for people with liver disease or weak immunity.
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Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious respiratory illness often linked to contaminated water systems like cooling towers, plumbing, and construction water sources. Monitoring for Legionella is critical in many industries, including construction, to protect public health
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa — associated with swimmer’s ear, skin rashes, and folliculitis; common in pools, hot tubs, and sometimes natural waters.
- Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter — enteric bacteria that can cause diarrheal illness; they have occasionally been linked to contaminated recreational water.
- Norovirus and other viruses — can spread in recreational water and cause acute gastroenteritis.
- Cyanobacterial (blue-green) blooms — produce toxins (not the same as infectious bacteria) that can cause skin irritation, vomiting, and more serious effects.
Because testing for every pathogen is impractical, monitoring programs often test indicators (like E. coli or enterococci). High indicator counts suggest a greater chance of unsafe water for swimming. BactiQuick’s health risk score looks at the combination of ‘gram negative’ bacteria, meaning we can look at health risks from dangers beyond E. coli, which is very exciting for us!
How it works
- Collect a water sample
- Mix with the test reagent
- Wait 15 minutes
- Read the result using the color chart
- Green = low risk
- Yellow = moderate risk
- Red = high risk
Fast, visual, and easy to understand.
What’s in the kit
- Bactiquick test vials and reagents
- Step-by-step instructions
- Color result guide
- Support from Water Rangers (Canada only)
Bulk kits and refills are available.
Why people trust Bactiquick
“Current testing is not fit for purpose. Results take over 24 hours and sampling is infrequent. People care about their own health, and with Bactiquick, they can test the water themselves to find out if it’s safe.”
— Rui Andres, CEO of Molendtotech (manufacturer of Bactiquick)
“We have long sought tools to help people answer the question of “Should I swim here?” and we are absolutely thrilled to now be able to offer a revolutionary world first that answers that in real time!” – Kat Kavanah, Executive Director and Founder of Water Rangers
Communities, beach monitoring groups, and swim organizers across Canada are using Bactiquick to screen their waters and take action faster.
How it compares
| Feature | Lab Testing | Bactiquick |
|---|---|---|
| Time to results | 24–48 hours | 15 minutes |
| Equipment | Lab, incubator | Field-ready kit |
| Ease of use | Requires training | Easy for volunteers |
| Bacteria detected | Usually E. coli only | Broad gram-negative indicators |
| Cost | Higher per test | Affordable and scalable |
Canadian distribution
Ordering through Water Rangers gives you:
- Canadian-based support and fast shipping – no need to worry about customs and brokerage!
- Access to community training and bulk pricing
- Optional use of Water Rangers’ online data tools
- Support for Indigenous groups, municipalities, and NGOs
Get started
Ready to test water faster and protect your community?
Want to ask us something? Contact us at testkits@waterrangers.ca
Frequently asked questions
Does it replace lab testing?
No. It is a rapid screening tool to guide decisions when quick results are needed.
What bacteria does it detect?
It identifies many gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and others linked to waterborne illness.
Is it easy to use?
Yes. Anyone can learn to use it with just a few minutes of training.
Can I log results on the Water Rangers platform?
Yes. Bactiquick data can be tracked on our platform alongside other water test results.
About Water Rangers
Water Rangers is a Canadian nonprofit that empowers communities, educators, and researchers to monitor and protect local waterways. Our open-data platform and water test kits make science accessible to everyone.
Questions?
Need help choosing the right kit or getting started?
We’re here to help. Send us an email at testkits@waterrangers.ca