Microbiological monitoring

bNovate has deployed its BactoSense analyzer with BactoSwitch and the BactoCloud platform to provide automated, multi-source microbiological monitoring for a municipal spring water system in Switzerland. The integrated system enables continuous oversight of up to four sampling points from a single hub, delivering real-time bacterial analysis and remote access to data for faster operational response.

BactoSense uses flow cytometry to generate actionable microbial results in approximately 20 minutes, allowing utilities to detect changes that may not be visible through turbidity monitoring alone. BactoSwitch enables sequential monitoring of four water lines, while BactoCloud synchronizes data to a secure cloud platform for continuous visibility and alarm notification. The system is designed to help operators quickly distinguish between normal variability and potential contamination events.

In operation, the monitoring platform identified an abnormal rise in cell counts at one spring source, prompting further investigation and laboratory confirmation of contamination. By providing early warning and detailed microbial fingerprints, the system supports risk-based decision-making, targeted resource allocation and improved protection of public water supplies.