Michael Carlson, CTO, CarboNet

Michael Carlson

CTO CarboNet

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

The development and strengthening of a circular water economy where reclaimed water becomes the primary source of water. I believe this will be necessary for the conservation of pristine water resources.

Not only will this help protect the natural environment, it will also ensure water remains accessible on an individual level. service providers, equipment providers, and chemistry providers to focus on a common goal of increasing the percentage of recycled water used within industries.

Through the use of clear standards, we can minimise the unnecessary contamination of freshwater without disrupting industries and their processes entirely.

Why is water quality still a topic of concern globally?

Water is constantly being put into a state that it’s not meant to be in. Whether it’s what we put down our drains at home, aging municipal infrastructure that leaches heavy metals, or industrial exploitation of freshwater resources, water quality is being altered everywhere you look.

Though clearly a concern especially when it comes to drinking water and sanitation, water quality is often a lesser priority when compared to other environmental, economic, or societal needs. What role do you think technology will play in securing water quality?

Technology is already playing a massive role in securing water quality. We are constantly seeing new technologies developed that can help change the world of water. These include rainwater harvesting systems, algae-based wastewater treatments, and the work from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on reinventing the toilet.

The challenge is optimising these innovations in ways that they can be seamlessly applied to either lower contamination or decontaminate water while making the lives of those who use the developments easier. As regulations are made for how water must be treated, the reliance on new, advanced technology will strengthen.

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

Website: carbonet.com

It’s critical that those in the water industry collaborate, bring together different ideas, and build standards that highlight the biggest issues with water quality.

For the CarboNet team, our focus is on making solutions that favour onsite water treatment and enabling industries to recycle their water. We hope to work with others to continually make improvements and maintain water quality to a high degree throughout the water utilisation and reclamation process.

What steps are you taking to help improve water quality?

CarboNet is a specialty chemicals company focused on industrial water treatment and recycling. We create products that work faster and stronger than traditional treatments and develop solutions on the principle of doing more with less. It’s critical that those in the water industry collaborate, bring together different ideas, and build standards that highlight the biggest issues

If you could change one thing about the way water quality is managed currently, what would it be?

It’s imperative that companies take greater responsibility for their water treatment processes using the recent developments and innovations in water treatment, before this wastewater reaches municipal infrastructures.