Water Quality in a Changed Climate

Interview with Boreal Light Interview with LG Sonic

Manuel Kaminsky

Project Manager Boreal Light GmbH

Boreal Light GmbH is a young Berlin-based company that designs and manufactures affordable solar water desalination and filtration systems for off-grid communities around the globe.

Climate change is water change. Do you agree?

It is undeniable that climate change directly affects water resources through drought, flooding and saltwater intrusion. Climate change will impact every aspect of our lives and change the way we live and think. It will have devastating consequences for many countries, especially those in the developing world. For these reasons it is critical that water is put at the centre of the climate conversation.

How do you think climate change will impact your business?

We make it our mission to provide off-grid communities with solutions to minimise the water-related consequences of climate change. Therefore, not only do we believe that climate change directly impacts our business, we also believe that climate change fosters the development of our product in a time where the call to action is urgently needed.

What water technologies do you currently use?

The Winture PlanetCubes use three different technologies, depending on the nature and quality of the intake (raw) water: Ultrafiltration, Microfiltration and Reverse Osmosis (for saline water). The machines also have a pre-filtration mode that consists mostly of either Ultrafiltration membranes or a sand and activated carbon filter.

How does your water solution help us prepare for an uncertain water future?

Solar water desalination is a sustainable way to provide freshwater in water scarce and remote regions because it is off-grid, relatively simple to operate, and affordable. This technology can help communities adapt to the realities of climate change where water is likely to be less available and increasingly contaminated.

What are some of the barriers to the adoption of your technology? Are there any barriers?

For the system to run effectively, there has to be enough sunlight to power the pumps and the desalination/ treatment process. Other than that, a short course on how to operate and maintain the machinery is very important, especially in remote rural areas that might not be too familiar with the solution.

What role should the government play in promoting climate adaptation tech?

Given that climate change is one of the biggest global challenges, we believe that governments boost investment in climate change adaptation technologies such as solar desalination.There are lots of good technologies to combat the detrimental effects of climate change, but the political environment must foster these solutions and encourage people to take risks and innovate.

Are you confident that we can achieve SDG 6 - “to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” - by 2030?

We need to look at the progress we have made in the last 10 years and admit that this goal is too ambitious to be reached in 8 years time. There are millions and millions of people that die from water-borne diseases like cholera and have to fetch water from kilometres away that is not even safe to consume.

What does a ‘water positive’ future look like to you?

For us, a water positive future begins with a global understanding and respect for the human right to safe and freshwater.

Personally, we would ban the privatisation of common water sources, especially in continents like Africa.

Furthermore, we plead for the use of renewable energies in water obtainment and treatment in a way that it would benefit especially the people that will suffer most from the consequences of global warming and climate change.

Lisa Brand

Co Founder & Chief Technology Officer LG Sonic

We’re leaders in sustainable algae management, with headquarters in the Netherlands and offices around the world. We deliver smart solutions to fight water pollution and reduce harmful chemical usage in the water treatment industry.

Climate change is water change. Do you agree?

Water change is undoubtedly impacted by climate change. Water quality is potentially deteriorating as a result of rising temperatures and unpredictable, extreme weather. Higher water temperatures combined with an increase of nutrients can result in conditions favourable for algal blooms. As a result, toxic algal blooms may occur more frequently, in more freshwater or marine water bodies, and may also be more intense.

SDG 6 won’t be easy to achieve but with strong global partnerships and cooperation, it can be done.

How do you think climate change will impact your business?

Climate change is a catalyst for harmful algal blooms (HABs). For over 10 years, we’ve invested in research and development to become leaders in algae management. We are committed to keep our innovation at the cuttingedge and answer the ongoing challenges raised by climate change in the water treatment industry.

What water technologies do you currently use?

We deliver smart solutions to fight water pollution and reduce harmful chemical usage with ultrasound. Our award-winning technology is MPC-Buoy, an eco-friendly algae control that integrates real-time water quality monitoring for large water bodies.

How does your water solution help us prepare for an uncertain water future?

The MPC-Buoy provides cost-effective monitoring and early algal bloom warning solutions for lakes and water reservoirs. The buoy continuously monitors water quality in real-time and is able to signal changes in water conditions. One of our projects with American Water Maryland, was awarded a national honour for excellence by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent algae growth and guarantee water supply during times of drought or other water supply emergencies.

Deploying our eco-friendly algae control helps to preserve water quality for an unexpected water crisis in the future.

What are some of the barriers to the adoption of your technology? Are there any barriers?

The uptake of new innovations requires education. Of the end-users but also the stakeholders involved in our projects. They will need to know that the technology is tested, proven and safe for the environment.

What role should the government play in promoting climate adaptation tech?

The government should play a role in supporting people and businesses to utilise climate adaptation technology. Raising awareness on this issue to the public and through policies are imperative to encourage the acceleration of change and improvement.

If you could make one type of water innovation mainstream overnight, which would it be?

Hydrovolta, an innovative solution to desalinate sea water. Making drinking water more accessible in regions where freshwater sources are even more limited.

Are you confident that we can achieve SDG 6 - “to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all” - by 2030?

Yes, we are confident we can realise SDG 6. It won’t be an easy target to achieve but with strong global partnerships and cooperation, it can be done. Bringing companies, academia, government, civil society and other groups together to deliver on a common purpose is a powerful recipe that can unleash innovative ways of problem solving to achieve the goal.