Aquatest Research Programme

• The tester goes into the field and collects 100ml of sample water
• shaking mixes the selective growth medium with the sample. 
• a twist of the lid separates it into chambers for incubation.
• after 24 hours incubation at 37°C, chambers are checked under a handheld UV lamp
• the number of chambers fluorescing indicates the level of E.coli contamination.
• once testing is complete, built-in disinfectant is released to ensure safe disposal.

• The incubator requires a single charge of boiling water.
• The water melts a phase change material (PCM), storing enough energy for an incubation cycle.
• E. coli bacteria grow best at around body temperature (37ºC). If the temperature goes too low growth is slow; too high and the bacteria might die.

• The torch designed using low power UV LEDs shine directly into the chambers
• design limits the entry of external light into the chambers and maximizes the brightness of UV LEDs by creating a dark-room effect
• powered by AA batteries which will last for an estimated five years
• the use of cost-efficient LED illumination also gives the torch a long-term shelf life.

Water Quality Reporter (WQR) is a cell phone application for:

• recording;
• storing; and
• transmitting

water test results to a central database

• users are prompted to enter water quality and other water management information into forms;
• transmitted to a central database via a low cost mobile data service
• the cell phone tools allow information to be relayed from a community-based water supply manager to relevant decision makers and support staff.
• relays information accurately and quickly to facilitate improved drinking water management