Digitalising microbiology: bridging the gap in water quality monitoring

While digitalisation has transformed water management, traditional microbiological testing methods, such as plating tests, are still widely used to determine water quality. However, these methods offer limited insights into dynamic changes or potential abnormalities in water. The emergence of rapid online microbiological monitoring tools addresses this gap, bringing microbiology into the digital age.

bNovates’ BactoSense portfolio offers cutting-edge flow cytometry solutions, automates bacterial counting and seamlessly integrates into existing monitoring systems. With high temporal resolution and flexible connectivity, it transforms microbiological monitoring. Let’s review case studies from European water utilities to show the transformative impact of digitalised microbiology on water management.

Introduction to digitalising microbiology in water quality management

Water supply faces unprecedented challenges globally, from extreme weather and agricultural runoff to ageing infrastructure. Consider how distribution networks exert immense pressure on the quantity and quality of water resources. To address these issues, water management has increasingly embraced digitalisation. 

Smart sensors, predictive models and data analytics have enhanced water quality and distribution. For instance, energy-efficient, new treatment plant designs are implemented, processes are streamlined and operators can access and control relevant process parameters via SCADA. However, microbiology has lagged in this shift, with traditional plating methods offering limited, delayed results. 

Digitalising microbiology with BactoSense

Digitalising microbiology with BactoSense changes this paradigm. Using advanced flow cytometry technology, BactoSense counts bacteria precisely by shining a laser through a sample to detect and quantify bacterial cells. This process vastly differs from traditional plating methods, where bacterial colonies must grow visibly to be counted, often taking days. Flow cytometry automates this process and offers real-time insights, a critical factor for effectively responding to water quality fluctuations. 

Seamless integration with digital water management systems

BactoSense is designed to integrate easily into SCADA systems, ensuring microbiological data becomes part of a comprehensive digital water management platform. This integration allows utilities to access microbial data alongside other vital parameters, creating a unified monitoring approach that supports faster, data-driven decisions. For utilities adopting a “smart water” model, BactoSense brings microbiology in line with other automated water sampling, monitoring and control systems, making it an ideal fit within modern water infrastructure. 

Figure 1: Since the late 1800s, cultivation has been the standard practice for quantifying bacteria in water. However, this method can't be applied to a monitoring programme due to the time it takes for bacteria to multiply and eventually become a visible colony. With the advent of online rapid microbiological methods, parameters of microbiology finally became available for process management and monitoring. 

Digitalising microbiology for real-time water management

Let’s follow the water path from catchment to tap, exploring digitalisation's positive impact and practical implications in microbiological water quality monitoring. Drawing on case studies from water utilities across Europe, we showcase how adopting digital and high-resolution online monitoring solutions revolutionises existing practices.

1. Managing raw water catchment
   

Natural factors like rainfall, snow melt and contamination events unpredictably influence raw water quality. Traditional microbiological testing struggles to capture these rapid shifts, but digital smart sensors with high temporal resolution fill this gap. This integration allows real-time adjustments in water treatment when bacterial levels fluctuate. 

Figure 2  Left: Implementation of BactoSense monitoring technology for discontinuous raw water catchment based on the microbiological water quality. Right: Extensive catchment site qualification and monitoring in Iceland allowed the redefining of catchment windows based on real-time monitoring data, leading to a safer and higher production capacity of individual boreholes (Veitur Iceland).

Figure adapted from this application note. 

Case study: BactoSense strengthened groundwater monitoring in Iceland by enabling continuous monitoring and real-time adjustments in water quality management, enhancing the efficiency and safety of individual boreholes. 

2. Optimising water treatment processes
   

Digitalised microbiology synchronises monitoring with the dynamic nature of water treatment. For instance, real-time bacterial monitoring during membrane filtration enables instant detection of filtration issues. This digital approach allows for more precise maintenance scheduling and operational adjustments, saving energy and extending equipment lifespan. 

Figure 3: In the community of Saxon in Switzerland, BactoSense monitoring data and weather forecasts are combined to manage the on-demand water chlorination and distribution. 

Financial benefits: Digital microbiology systems can offer substantial savings by avoiding the overuse of chemicals and reducing energy consumption. Within the first year of implementing BactoSense, digital solutions can deliver significant cost benefits beyond enhancing monitoring accuracy.

Example: In Saxon, Switzerland, water chlorination processes were optimised by combining BactoSense monitoring data with weather forecasts. Thus ensuring safe drinking water even after heavy storms. 

3. Maintaining and monitoring distribution networks
   

Ageing distribution systems are vulnerable to pipe bursts, which impact residents and industries, and increase contamination risk. Digital sensors like BactoSense expedite response by measuring bacterial quality directly at incident sites, reducing lab results' delays.

Application: In Sweden, BactoSense’s high-resolution data improved pipe flushing effectiveness, ensuring quicker and safer responses to burst incidents. 

Figure 4: To counteract the disruptive effects of pipe bursts and speed up the pipe commissioning process, the high temporal resolution of BactoSense data has been used in Sweden to monitor the pipe flushing effectiveness.

4. Detecting and responding to changes in the network
   

Bacterial growth can thrive under low chlorine conditions or stagnation within distribution systems. Digitalised microbiology helps detect such changes almost instantly, contrasting with the delayed results of traditional methods. The rapid detection of contamination risks empowers operators to take immediate action.  

Figure 5: When integrated into a pipe network, BactoSense can immediately alert in case of an abnormal change in the water quality, allowing operators to react swiftly. 

Use case: Integrated in distribution networks, BactoSense can alert operators within minutes of a microbial anomaly, ensuring prompt response. 

5. Scalability and adaptability for diverse utilities 
   

BactoSense was designed to be scalable, making it a suitable solution for large and small water utilities. With flexible configuration options, BactoSense can be adapted to meet the needs of utilities with limited resources, whether in budget or system complexity. Even utilities in regions with limited staffing can leverage digitalised microbiology to improve water safety by enabling real-time, remote monitoring.

The future of digitalised microbiology in water management

As climate change, population growth and water usage patterns evolve, digital solutions in water management become critical. BactoSense’s robust, real-time microbial monitoring offers utilities a powerful tool for improved water quality and resilience. The case studies demonstrate digitalising microbiology in water utilities is innovative and essential for sustainable, safe water management. 

Like all technologies, digital microbiology solutions have some limitations. Initial installation and calibration require investment, and interpreting the high volume of data demands expertise. However, training programmes and dedicated support have helped utilities navigate these challenges effectively. Luckily, our service and support team is one we’re proud of and offers various service packages to ensure BactoSense is used to its full potential. 

As technology and analytics improve, these barriers are expected to diminish, making digital microbiology increasingly accessible for all utilities. Book a demo to see how you can digitalise your water management.