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Citizen Science Tools

    Citizen Science Tools

    Empowering Communities Through Science

    At WaterCAN, we believe that every citizen can play a role in protecting South Africa’s water. Our Citizen Science Tools are designed to make it easy for anyone—from learners to community activists—to test, monitor, and report on water quality in their area.


    Water Testing Kits

    Test for bacteria, pH, and other indicators of water quality. These kits are user-friendly, reliable, and widely used in schools, communities, and by our volunteer water warriors.

    ​WaterCAN Citizen Science Map

    A national platform that visualises water quality test results submitted by citizen scientists. It helps track trends, identify risks, and build pressure for change. View the Map. 

    Download our How to Guide to the Web-based App. 

    Guides & Training Materials

    Step-by-step guides, videos, and training sessions help volunteers use the tools correctly and understand the science behind them. See our resources videos now. 


    ​Resource Videos 

    How to test water

    See this video for a brief water testing tutorial

    How to dispose of your kits

    Make sure you watch this to learn how to discard your used testing products

    How to purify water

    Here is a brief explainer on using water purification tablets. 

    ​​​WaterCAN Citizen Science Map

    ​The Citizen Science Map tracks water quality across South Africa in real time. Powered by community testing, it visualises safe and unsafe sources, highlights problem areas, and builds evidence for accountability. Every data point strengthens advocacy, turning local action into a powerful national movement for clean water.

    Why It Matters

    Transparency: Communities get real data about their water.

    Accountability: Local authorities are held responsible for service failures.

    Education: Learners and residents gain practical science skills.

    Action: Data informs advocacy, campaigns, and urgent interventions