Karen Schuett, CEO, Livestock Water Recycling

Karen Schuett

CEO Livestock Water Recycling

What are your hopes for the future of our water sources?

It is estimated that only 4-6% of the world’s water is recycled for reuse, and that we could suffer a 40% deficit in water by 2030 unless countries dramatically change their use patterns.

Canadians are fortunate to be surrounded by this most precious resource, however not everyone on the planet has the same level of access.

For those of us who live where there is an abundance of water, there is a tendency to see water as an unlimited resource. By redefining the way water is valued globally, I believe that we can manage it in a more resilient and responsible way.

In the future, I hope that there is no more need for the term “wastewater” because all water and nutrients are advantageously re-used within a circular economy. regenerate farm soils as a precisely applied fertiliser or further dried, bagged and sold into the marketplace.

As water continues to be filtered, the second and third products are potable water and a liquid nutrient concentrate. That concentrate contains sizeable amounts of nutrients including ammonium and potassium. In fact, our clients report a 30% increase in crop growth based on precision applications of dry and liquid fertiliser.

Decentralising wastewater processing on the farm leads to increased farm revenues through biofertiliser sales, increased crop yields, and larger herd sizes, and happier, healthier animals. Furthermore, soils are regenerated, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, nutrient losses are eliminated, and manure handling costs are reduced.

By redefining the way water is valued globally, I believe that we can manage it in a more resilient and responsible way.

Why is water quality still a topic of concern globally?

Approximately 80 percent of the world’s wastewater is returned—largely untreated—back into the environment, impacting rivers, lakes, and oceans. This widespread problem can imapct the health of people, the climate, and local ecosystems.

What role does the water industry play in improving water quality?

It is up to the water industry to innovate technologies that will economically improve water quality while also making it a priority to educate the public on the benefits of wastewater recycling.

What steps are you taking to help improve water quality?

LWR’s PLANTTM system is a novel manure processing platform that separates the liquids and solid effluent material, eventually resulting in clean, potable water that can be used for myriad on-farm and off-farm activities.

The initial stage, called the First Wave, pulls out more than 90% of the effluent’s phosphorus that can be later used to If you could change one thing about the way water quality is managed currently, what would it be?

I would like to see society move to more technology driven, sensor monitored, decentralised water treatment systems..

What role do you think technology will play in securing water quality?

The WaterTech industry is continually innovating and new technologies are being developed every day that contribute to sustainable solutions - solutions that lead to abundant sources of clean water, the recycling of raw materials and energy from wastewater, and more efficient processes. Technology will allow us to get to zero-liquid-discharge, so that our world can fully engage in a circular water economy.

Website: livestockwaterrecycling.com