H2O Global News spoke with Lidor Zabari, CEO & Founder of Safe Shower, about tackling the long-standing challenge of Legionella contamination in public and healthcare water systems. His patented, point-of-use disinfection technology aims to reduce risk where it matters most — at the showerhead.

Q&A with Lidor Zabari, CEO & Founder, Safe Shower

Lidor Zabari, CEO & Founder, Safe Shower

1. Legionella remains one of the most persistent challenges in water safety. What makes this bacterium particularly resistant to conventional disinfection methods, and why is it so difficult to eliminate from hospital and public building systems?

Legionella is a unique and highly resilient bacterium found in most surface water sources. It is parasitic, living inside protozoa or amoebae, which makes it extremely difficult to destroy using conventional disinfectants such as chlorine or other chemicals. Filtration offers limited success because Legionella cells are extremely small – around 0.2 microns – which causes filters to clog quickly.

Some authorities rely on thermal treatment, raising hot water temperatures to around 60 °C, but this method is also imperfect. In warm climates, Legionella can even appear in cold water systems, and excessive heating often leads to limescale and sediment build-up. While these measures reduce risk, they do not eliminate it. The greatest vulnerability lies in the final metre of pipework – the faucet or showerhead – where stagnant water allows Legionella to multiply rapidly once it leaves its host organism.

2. Safe Shower was developed to tackle this issue directly at the point of use. Can you explain the concept behind the technology and how it differs from existing Legionella control measures?

The Safe Shower solution is based on a simple yet effective concept: continuous disinfection of stagnant water at the tip of the shower, where risk is greatest. The system prevents air from entering when water flow stops, using unique duckbill valves that create an internal swirl, allowing a small disinfection unit to operate continuously on the residual water. This maintains control at the most critical point in the system, rather than relying solely on centralised measures.

3. Your pilot at Barzilai Hospital has shown promising results. What were the key findings from this first deployment, and how do they demonstrate potential for wider implementation?

The pilot was carried out in a surgical ward with a history of Legionella-positive samples. The results were very encouraging, showing a clear reduction in contamination at the point of use. Because the underlying risk factor – stagnant water at the showerhead – is universal across facilities, the same principle can be applied in any hospital or public building with similar plumbing systems.

4. Energy and water conservation are also growing concerns in building management. How does your approach help reduce waste or improve sustainability in comparison to traditional Legionella control strategies?

Traditional Legionella control often involves flushing water to remove stagnation, which wastes both water and the energy used to heat it. By continuously disinfecting rather than flushing, Safe Shower reduces this waste, conserving resources while maintaining hygienic conditions.

5. Looking ahead, how do you see the future of water safety evolving in healthcare and hospitality — and what role can innovation play in reducing the global burden of Legionnaires’ disease?

Innovation will be central to improving water safety in high-risk environments. I believe that solutions like Safe Shower can play a key role in preventing Legionella growth at the point of use, helping to reduce the incidence of Legionnaires’ disease and save lives worldwide.

Innovating Water Safety: Safe Shower’s Approach to Eliminating Legionella at the Point of Use
H2O Team

Set against a changing climate, prolonged droughts, and overextraction, political disputes over access to water resources are shaping international relations. Clean water is crucial for society, economies, and food production so, when countries face water shortages, tensions rise and governments start to accuse each other of taking more than their fair share from shared rivers, lakes, and aquifers. 

However, although dwindling water resources are a huge problem, especially in areas with high population growth, political instability is not the inevitable outcome. Desalination, already used extensively in MENA and other parts of the world, offers an alternative source that can defuse conflicts and provide agriculture, industry, and people with the water they need. 

To learn more about how desalination can help prevent conflicts, we talked to Shannon McCarthy, the Secretary General/Executive Director of the International Desalination and Reuse Association. With a deep knowledge of the subject and direct experience of how it can reduce friction, she explains how desalination can help solve the global water shortage and discusses ongoing improvements to the technology. Most importantly, Shannon reveals how desalination can promote cooperation and become a catalyst for peace. 

Can you share your background and passion for desalination? What led you to pursue it as a career?

My academic background in international relations and public policy laid the foundation for my belief that technical solutions to support increased amounts of clean water—such as through desalination—can build resilience, strengthen security, improve quality of life, and even bridge divides between communities.

It was through my work at the Middle East Desalination Research Center in Oman, a special project born from the Middle East Peace Process, that I first entered the field of desalination. Serving as Deputy Center Director, I witnessed how bringing experts from across borders together around a shared water challenge could ease tensions and build trust. That experience shaped my conviction that desalination is not just about technology; it can also be a tool for peace.

For over two decades, I have dedicated my career to advancing non-conventional water resources as solutions to scarcity, working across the Middle East and North Africa, including the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jordan, Israel, and the Palestinian Authority. Repeatedly, I have seen how water scarcity can stall social and economic development and even fuel conflict—while investments in desalination and other non-conventional water solutions can open the door to opportunity, cooperation, and hope.

What is IDRA, and what role does it play in promoting desalination?

The International Desalination and Reuse Association is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1973 and now operates with members in over 60 countries. IDRA holds consultative status at the United Nations ECOSOC, FAO (via WASAG), and UNFCCC. We bring together policymakers, utilities, researchers, private sector experts, financiers, and civil society. Our work includes convening international technical conferences and forums, offering scholarships, facilitating public-private partnerships, influencing policy frameworks, and championing education and capacity building. We are a global convener and knowledge hub advancing sustainable desalination and water reuse solutions.

Why is desalination critical to solving global water challenges? What are its main benefits?

Desalination transforms seawater and brackish water into a dependable supply of freshwater, providing security in regions where conventional sources are scarce or over-stressed. Its greatest benefit is reliability—unaffected by rainfall or climate variability—making it vital for cities, agriculture, industry, energy production, and tourism.

Technological innovation has dramatically lowered costs and energy demands, and when paired with renewable power and water reuse, desalination becomes a cornerstone of sustainable, circular water systems. It not only diversifies water portfolios but also reduces stress on rivers and aquifers, while helping communities adapt to the increasing challenges of climate change.

What are the hidden challenges of desalination? How is IDRA promoting environmental and social sustainability?

Desalination delivers tremendous benefits, but it also brings challenges that must be addressed with care. Critics often point to its energy footprint, potential brine impacts on marine ecosystems, and the risk that high costs or limited local capacity may exclude rural or underserved communities.

At IDRA, our global membership actively tackles these issues through integrated, sustainable solutions. We champion pairing desalination with renewable energy and water reuse, while advancing brine valorization—such as mineral recovery, metals extraction, and zero liquid discharge. Our working groups and task forces develop guidelines for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility, and we collaborate with utilities and regulators to embed social impact assessments, circular design principles, and local procurement into project development.

This collective effort ensures desalination evolves not only as a technical solution but as a socially inclusive and environmentally responsible cornerstone of water resilience.

What emerging technologies will shape the future of desalination?

The coming decade promises transformative advances in desalination. Low-pressure membrane techniques, forward osmosis, and graphene-enhanced filters are maturing rapidly, delivering higher efficiency and lower energy requirements. Sub-sea and zero liquid discharge systems are becoming commercially viable, addressing environmental concerns around brine disposal.

Digital technologies—including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twins—are enabling smarter plant operations, predictive maintenance, real-time optimization, and reduced operational costs. Brine valorization is unlocking new opportunities, allowing the recovery of critical materials such as lithium, magnesium, and gypsum. Hybrid systems that integrate solar power, desalination, and water reuse are enabling modular, decentralized solutions, ideal for remote communities or rapidly growing urban centers.

Together, these innovations position desalination as a cornerstone of resilient, sustainable water systems and a growing global market projected to reach multi-billion-dollar scale, responding to increasing demand and climate pressures.

What policies have impressed you the most? What further policies should governments and international bodies adopt?

Singapore’s Water Master Plan stands as a global benchmark, integrating desalination, reclaimed water, catchment management, and clear regulatory frameworks into a cohesive strategy. The European Union’s emerging circular water economy regulations and reuse standards set important precedents for sustainable urban water management. In the United States, the EPA has recently finalized the first-ever National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS, establishing enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels. Additionally, California has implemented a comprehensive Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) regulatory framework, allowing treated wastewater to safely re-enter the drinking water supply, setting a precedent for scalable urban water recycling.

In the Middle East and North Africa, Saudi Arabia’s National Water Strategy emphasizes large-scale desalination paired with renewable energy and water reuse to ensure municipal, industrial, and agricultural security. The United Arab Emirates has advanced integrated water resource management combining desalination, reuse, and smart infrastructure. In Jordan, the Amman Conveyance Project demonstrates innovative approaches to secure urban water and relieve stress on freshwater sources. Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria are scaling renewable-powered desalination and reuse projects to meet urban and agricultural water needs and enhance climate resilience. In Brazil, inland renewable-powered desalination initiatives are being implemented to combat desertification in semi-arid regions, providing reliable water for local communities and agriculture while restoring degraded lands. South Africa has integrated desalination and water recycling to address persistent water scarcity in urban and rural areas. In Australia, large-scale desalination plants in Perth and Sydney, combined with water recycling and stormwater harvesting, provide resilient urban water supplies while reducing pressure on traditional freshwater sources.

The World Bank is actively supporting countries worldwide to scale desalination and water reuse solutions, providing technical assistance, funding, and policy guidance to accelerate sustainable water infrastructure development, particularly in water-stressed regions. These initiatives emphasize circular water management, integration with renewable energy, and inclusive governance to strengthen resilience against climate variability.

These measures reflect a broader focus on responsible water stewardship behaviors, including efficient water use, monitoring and reporting, pollution prevention, and public engagement in water sustainability. Despite these successes, there is a pressing need for more cross-border governance, especially for shared seas, transboundary aquifers, and international river basins. Effective policies should promote data sharing, joint R&D investment, environmental safeguards, transparent tariff structures, social inclusivity, and regulated pilot testing of emerging technologies. Governments and international bodies should also incentivize public-private partnerships and encourage water stewardship behaviors across industries and communities. 

You focus on public private academic collaboration. Why is that important? Do you have a strong example?

Collaboration across sectors is essential to scaling water solutions, building workforce capacity, and ensuring that innovations are relevant to local needs. IDRA’s Fellowship, scholarship, academy, and Young Leaders Program have supported emerging water professionals from across the globe through mentoring, internships, and leadership development. These programs have partnered with leading utilities, research institutes, and agencies such as SWCC, PUB, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and Water Corporation Australia to provide hands-on training and global exposure. Through its participation in with the United Nations ECOSOC, and UNFCCC, IDRA contributes to international efforts to strengthen education, training, and capacity-building in desalination and water reuse.

A recurring theme in your work is peace. How can desalination help in conflict prevention?

Water scarcity has often caused tension, especially when shared across regions or states. However, desalination and reuse provide a reliable and independent water source, reducing pressure on shared freshwater resources and helping prevent disputes. Supplementing water supply allows communities and countries to manage scarce resources collaboratively rather than competitively.

By integrating desalination with renewable energy and water reuse, countries can enhance water security, reduce conflict risk, and promote sustainable cooperation, transforming water from a potential source of tension into a pathway for peace and stability.

Read Issue 15 of H2O Global News here.

Desalination as a Pathway for Peace and Stability: An Interview with Shannon McCarthy
louise davey

For more than 35 years, WaterSurplus has tirelessly strived to provide creative solutions for challenging problems. We began by transforming surplus water industry inventory into valuable assets. The company grew into a technology innovator, developing groundbreaking systems such as the ImpactRO™ brackish water reverse osmosis system and NanoStack™ membranes. These technologies have reduced membrane fouling, lowered operational costs, and improved sustainability.

Today, we are proud to introduce our latest breakthrough—NanoScope™.

A Technology Breakthrough

NanoScope is a powerful membrane monitoring system and now the latest piece in WaterSurplus’s packaged RO solution, ImpactRO. The system monitors membrane performance at an unprecedented depth—detecting performance loss well before traditional metrics, such as trending normalized permeate flux. In practice, this means that NanoScope can detect fouling events hours or days before that event alters the system’s overall performance.

Once a fouling event is detected through NanoScope, the WaterSurplus team or the local operator can implement one of ImpactRO’s fouling prevention measures. These interventions can prevent fouling events from escalating to a point where an unplanned cleaning is required. Examples of prevention measures include:

• Micro-Disruptions – Brief, intermittent bursts of feedwater that disrupt the concentration polarization layer, increasing the crossflow velocity to the tail membranes, flushing scale and foulants to drain while the system remains online.
• Intermittent Variable Recovery (IVR) – Automated modulation of the RO recovery setting to restore hydraulic balance and protect against fouling, even under changing feedwater conditions.

NanoScope achieves this rapid detection by measuring the flux and quality from only a small portion in an array, typically the final, tail element, where deteriorating performance first appears. By isolating and tracking performance on the most stressed part of an RO system, operators can identify, isolate, and address issues sooner, avoiding costly unplanned shutdowns.

With NanoScope and ImpactRO’s other unique characteristics, users can expect:

• Reduced membrane cleaning frequency
• Lower energy consumption
• Longer membrane life
• Less system downtime
• More consistent water quality

Development Journey

Five years ago, WaterSurplus was awarded a research grant from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to pilot advanced RO optimization concepts. In our 150 GPM containerized ImpactRO pilot unit, we tested a wide range of variables—scaling rates, fouling behavior, membrane types, and operational configurations.

As our team investigated the capabilities and combined benefits of our innovations, it became necessary to stress-test the system, purposefully and repeatedly inducing fouling and scaling events. It was clear that we needed to detect exactly when fouling events begin, rather than waiting for traditional performance metrics. It was at this time that our engineering team developed and patented the technology that would become NanoScope. 

Initially, beta versions of the technology were included on some ImpactRO systems as a way for WaterSurplus to monitor the performance of the RO. But as the technology was refined, it became clear that the monitor itself was a significant feature. We realized it could be used to guide the ImpactRO’s existing interventions to restore the system’s active membrane surface area.

NanoScope’s launch marks the first time such predictive monitoring and online interventions have been integrated into a commercial RO platform.

Looking Ahead

The introduction of NanoScope is a step forward in our long-term vision: to drive the water industry toward higher efficiency, lower environmental impact, and greater operational resilience, even when treating challenging waters. By combining intelligent monitoring, advanced membrane technology, and online intervention, we are proving that RO systems can adapt to fouling events in real time and return to the original design parameters—not just respond after the fact.

At WaterSurplus, we will continue to look beyond current capabilities and imagine what is next. The future of high-efficiency water treatment depends on it.

Sidebar: Intelligent Interventions in ImpactRO™

• NanoStack™ Membranes – Engineered with a bioinspired, hydrophilic polymer coating that reduces scale adhesion and repels foulants.
• NanoScope™ Monitoring – Predicts, prevents, and reverses membrane fouling using advanced analytics.
• Feed-Forward Design – Balances flux evenly across all RO stages.
• Membrane Micro-Disruptions – Brief, intermittent bursts of feedwater that create a high cross-flow velocity state to clean membranes during operation.
• Intermittent Variable Recovery (IVR) – Automated recovery modulation to prevent and reverse fouling during fluctuating feed water conditions.

By Ian Tonner, Vice President of Engineering, WaterSurplus

NanoScope™: Predicting, Preventing, and Reversing Membrane Fouling
louise davey

In a world facing growing environmental pressure, the way we treat water is evolving. From industrial operations to municipal plants, operators are not only expected to meet stringent water quality regulations—they’re also being called to do so more sustainably and efficiently than ever before.

Xylem offers a powerful portfolio of advanced water and wastewater treatment equipment, helping customers safeguard their operations while reducing environmental impact. Whether you require a permanent setup or a rapid-response solution during maintenance or emergency situations, Xylem ensures that water quality is never compromised.

Advanced Treatment with UV, Ozone, Filtration and DAF

Today’s water challenges require a move away from conventional chemical-based disinfection toward greener, safer alternatives. Ultraviolet (UV) and Ozone (O₃) technologies—two naturally occurring, non-chemical methods that offer robust, proven disinfection without harmful by-products.

These solutions are ideal across sectors, from municipal utilities to food and beverage manufacturing. UV treatment inactivates microorganisms like Cryptosporidium and Legionella without altering water composition or producing toxic residues. Meanwhile, Ozone offers a powerful oxidizing effect—50% stronger and 3,000 times faster than chlorine—making it an exceptional solution for industries where hygiene and shelf life are critical.

High TSS loads can significantly compromise the efficiency of downstream treatment processes, reducing disinfection performance, increasing sludge volumes, and even leading to permit violations if not properly managed. DAF units address this challenge by removing a large proportion of suspended solids at the outset, protecting subsequent treatment stages

DAF systems, in particular, are a highly effective solution for temporary or fluctuating needs when dealing with elevated Total Suspended Solids (TSS) loads over a limited time period. These units can be rented for short- or mid-term use and are designed for easy integration into existing treatment infrastructure. When needed, they can also be tailored to specific site or process requirements, making them a flexible and efficient choice for managing peak loads or temporary process challenges.

At Xylem, we provide advanced solutions designed to enhance energy efficiency and performance in biological treatment processes and to bridge the current blowers in case of failure.

For aerating biological reactors, we offer high-efficiency centrifugal Turbo MAX blowers equipped with direct-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM). These high-speed motors eliminate mechanical losses by using a direct-coupled impeller on the motor shaft, removing the need for gears, and feature a precisely machined, anodized aluminum alloy impeller to optimize performance. The result is reliable, energy-efficient aeration with minimal maintenance.

We also offer Taron filters, an innovative technology that can either supplement or replace traditional secondary clarifiers. These filters enable wastewater treatment plants to expand treatment capacity to accommodate growing populations and peak flow events, while also helping to meet increasingly stringent discharge limits for solids, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Additionally, Taron filters reduce the overall footprint and cost required to achieve treatment goals, offering greater flexibility and efficiency in plant design and operation.

By integrating advanced disinfection, solid separation technologies like dissolved air flotation (DAF), energy-optimized aeration systems, and modular filtration solutions such as Taron, Xylem delivers comprehensive, sustainable solutions that address the evolving needs of water and wastewater treatment facilities.

Temporary Solutions, Zero Compromise

Unexpected shutdowns or scheduled maintenance can put water treatment performance at risk. For such scenarios, Xylem provides modular, containerised treatment systems for temporary deployment. These plug-and-play units are designed to deliver uninterrupted treatment capability while minimizing site disruption.

Our rental offering includes:

• UV and Ozone disinfection containers for chemical-free pathogen removal
• Blowers for aeration during biological treatment
• Filtration units as clarifier
• Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) systems for effective solids , FOG removal and pre-treatment

Whether it’s a planned upgrade or an unplanned emergency, our local teams can mobilize quickly, ensuring your process compliance, operational continuity, and environmental responsibility are protected.

Sustainable Performance with Long-Term Gains

Choosing Xylem’s advanced technologies means investing in long-term efficiency. Modern UV systems now feature low-pressure, high-output lamps with a service life of up to 16,000 hours. Their intelligent controllers can adjust UV intensity in real time, saving up to 20% on energy consumption. With only the lamps and quartz sleeves needing periodic attention, maintenance becomes simpler, cheaper, and greener.

Ozone generators also offer low life-cycle costs. With core units backed by 10+ year warranties, only filters and seals are consumable—resulting in reduced waste and minimized maintenance needs. In systems like cooling towers, Ozone not only disinfects but also prevents fouling and microbial corrosion, maintaining heat exchanger efficiency and minimizing costly downtime.

Driving Compliance and Protecting Ecosystems

With tightening regulations like the Urban Wastewater Directive, businesses are under increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact—particularly in sensitive coastal and inland waters. Xylem’s disinfection solutions help customers meet or exceed these standards without relying on hazardous chemicals that pose safety and handling risks.

This regulatory landscape is also accelerating a shift toward holistic water management—where technology is chosen not just for what it removes, but how it performs throughout its lifecycle. Xylem’s solutions support this shift, providing scalable, future-ready platforms that prioritize performance, compliance, and sustainability in equal measure.

A Greener Path Forward

At Xylem, we understand that water treatment is not just about protecting process performance—it’s about protecting people, ecosystems, and communities. With every deployment of UV and Ozone systems, with each rental unit delivered during a crisis, we help customers move toward a more resilient and sustainable water future.

Whether you’re looking for a long-term investment in greener disinfection, or a trusted partner for urgent rental needs, Xylem delivers water treatment solutions that make a difference.

Let’s solve water.

Read H2O Global News Magazine Issue 15 here.

Smarter, Safer, and Greener: Enhancing Water Quality with Xylem Treatment Solutions
louise davey

LIFEBLNC, a leading exporter of premium drinking water, is proud to introduce the world’s first dedicated drinking water terminal, engineered to supply global markets with high-quality European water resources in bulk. This innovative facility, capable of delivering over 50.000 DWT per shipment via tanker, sets a new standard for efficiency and scalability in the water supply industry.

Designed to meet the increasing demand for superior drinking water, the terminal ensures that each delivery complies with stringent EU and WHO standards for human consumption. It also serves industries requiring high-purity water, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food processing. The facility is equipped with comprehensive control systems, including continuous monitoring through certified laboratory testing, to guarantee the highest levels of safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in every shipment. This pioneering initiative supports both industrial and governmental entities in securing a reliable, sustainable water supply.

1. Water Quality Standards & Certification

What certification processes and quality standards do LIFEBLNC follow to guarantee drinking water safety and purity across the supply chain? How do these compare to international benchmarks?

LIFEBLNC follows rigorous quality standards to guarantee the safety and purity of its drinking water supply chain. Sourced from deep artesian aquifers in Latvia’s Otanki and Aistere regions, the water reaches depths of up to 450 meters, naturally protected by impermeable geological layers. The water undergoes no chemical treatment, requiring only mechanical filtration and de-ironing, ensuring purity. Extraction is carefully monitored through individual wells and accredited laboratories. The final product complies with the EU Drinking Water Directive and WHO guidelines.

2. Water Preservation & Transit Protection

How do you preserve water quality during bulk sea transport? What materials, preservation technologies, and in-transit monitoring systems are used to ensure the water remains in perfect condition upon arrival?

To preserve water quality during bulk sea transport, LIFEBLNC exclusively uses class-certified tanker vessels. These vessels are built and maintained according to stringent international standards, ensuring the water’s chemical and microbiological integrity. Classifications from leading societies, including Lloyd’s Register (LR) and DNV, ensure hygiene and safety throughout the journey. This proactive approach guarantees that water quality remains pristine during transit.

3. Terminal Processing & Export Readiness

Can you walk us through the water treatment and processing systems at your Latvia terminal, from sourcing to tanker loading? What technologies prepare the water for large-scale export?

The Liepaja export terminal is the world’s first purpose-built facility for bulk high-quality drinking water exports. The terminal includes 94.000 tons of dedicated storage capacity, a fully automated pumping station (4.000 m³/h), and a 1.6 km bidirectional pipeline connecting to high-tech loading arms. All infrastructure is designed exclusively for potable water, using food-grade materials. Inline filtration, and real-time based monitoring ensure EU/WHO standard compliance throughout. Water is sampled and tested by accredited labs (e.g. SGS) before, during, and after loading. Security and quality control systems include 24/7 CCTV, access control, and pipeline-integrated monitoring stations.

4. Large-Scale Quality Control & Monitoring

With millions of cubic meters shipped annually, how do you manage quality control at this scale? What real-time monitoring and testing protocols are in place to ensure consistency across every shipment?

To manage quality at scale, LIFEBLNC implements strict protocols at every stage of the supply chain. Water quality is monitored across storage, pre-loading, in-line, and post-loading stages. Independent audits by organizations such as SGS ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards. Real-time systems provide constant monitoring of water quality, ensuring the integrity of every shipment. Internal QA/QC protocols follow HACCP principles.

5. Industry-Specific Water Solutions

You supply water for industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and beverages. How do you tailor your water treatment and certification processes to meet the specific requirements of these sectors?

LIFEBLNC tailors its water treatment and certification processes to meet the specific needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage production. Each shipment includes a Certificate of Analysis, ensuring that all parameters meet sector-specific standards, such as EU GMP, HACCP, and FDA requirements for bottled water. This ensures that the water is suitable for the most sensitive industries.

6. Logistics Innovation & Operational Safety

Beyond water quality, what technologies and strategies are you using to optimise logistics, safeguard handling processes, and prevent contamination risks across your global supply chain?

LIFEBLNC optimizes logistics and ensures safe handling through the use of class-certified tanker vessels, which are specifically designed for potable water. These vessels feature food-grade cargo tanks and comply with strict hygiene and maintenance standards. Onshore infrastructure, including tanks and pipelines, is also made with certified materials.
Real-time systems monitor flow, pressure, and water quality, ensuring safe and efficient transport. The company adheres to HACCP protocols and complies with international potable water handling standards.

7. Tackling Water Scarcity with Scalable Solutions

How does LIFE BLNC’s technology-driven model offer a different, scalable solution to global water scarcity compared to traditional supply methods?

LIFEBLNC offers a scalable solution to global water scarcity by transporting large volumes of certified drinking water. With tanker vessels capable of carrying up to 150.000 DWT. LIFEBLNC has the capability to safely deliver water to any region experiencing demand or shortage. This model provides a rapid, long-term solution for areas facing water scarcity, offering a reliable alternative to traditional supply methods.

8. Future Expansion & Technological Developments

With new terminals planned, what upcoming water quality or logistics innovations are you working on? How do you see global water logistics evolving over the next decade?

LIFEBLNC is expanding its water export network, planning new terminals to meet growing demand. The company focuses on regions with abundant water resources and direct maritime access, ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply. By replicating the successful model of its initial operations, LIFEBLNC is building a global network of water export hubs, addressing the growing water imbalance and ensuring access to safe drinking water worldwide.

9. Closing Thought: The Future of Water Security

In your view, what role will large-scale water export and logistics play in the future of global water security?

Large-scale water export via certified terminals and tanker vessels is emerging as a new strategic category in global water resilience. LIFEBLNC’s business model provides governments and industries with a scalable, regulated, and rapidly deployable solution — effectively bridging supply gaps when traditional systems fall short. This approach combines infrastructure, quality assurance, and logistics into a new pillar of sustainable supply.

CONCLUSION

LIFEBLNC introduces the world’s first dedicated bulk drinking water export terminal, offering reliable and innovative solutions for governmental organizations and industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage production. The terminal, with a storage capacity of 94.000 tons, utilizes cutting-edge technology and stringent quality controls, ensuring the integrity of the water throughout the entire transport process via class-certified tankers. LIFEBLNC’s water treatment and certification processes fully comply with international standards, guaranteeing safe and high-quality drinking water. Contact us to discover how LIFEBLNC is ensuring water quality for governmental organizations worldwide.

Learn more: lifeblnc.com / sales@lifeblnc.com

LIFEBLNC: Defining a New Category in Strategic Water Logistics
louise davey

Water is life. But what happens when the very essence of life becomes a danger? I learned this the hard way as a child battling cancer. Years later, tragedy struck again when one of my godchildren in Africa died of cholera caused by contaminated water. That moment transformed grief into determination. I realized water is not just a resource; it is central to human existence, health, and dignity.

Driven by the desire to change this reality, I became an engineer with one mission: to develop technologies that provide people worldwide with safe, clean, and life-sustaining water. Today, as Head of R&D at Evodrop AG, a Swiss company working at the intersection of innovation, science, and social responsibility, we are not only shaping the future of water but also improving lives globally, drop by drop.

Hidden Risks in Everyday Drinking Water

Turning on a faucet feels routine and safe, yet in Switzerland and many other countries, drinking water is only tested for about 50 contaminants, while over 3,000 potentially harmful substances exist. Microplastics, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and may cause cancer, are not routinely tested.

Agriculture compounds the problem: pesticide and fungicide manufacturers often withhold details of the chemicals used, leaving laboratories to search blindly for unknown contaminants. Even the pollutants that are monitored often exceed safety limits, which governments quietly adjust over time rather than addressing root causes.

Pharmaceutical residues pose an even greater challenge. Chemotherapy agents, antibiotics, painkillers, contraceptives, and modern disinfectants overwhelm wastewater plants. Antibiotics, designed to resist biological defenses, persist in water systems, while countless patented drugs cannot be tested for at all.

Industrial processes and outdated infrastructure add further risks. Pipes may leach lead, copper, or cement into drinking water. Uranium contamination has been detected in Alpine regions where water flows through uranium-bearing rock. Natural events like floods can also introduce pathogens.

The Myth of Alkaline Water

Alkaline water, often marketed with a pH of 8–9, is said to make blood more alkaline and boost health. Science tells a different story. Blood pH is tightly regulated by natural buffers; neither food nor water can significantly change it. Even alkaline water is neutralized by strong stomach acid immediately upon ingestion.

What matters for the body’s acid-base balance is metabolism: many plant foods, despite their acidity, are alkalizing, while meats can be acid-forming despite neutral pH levels. Scientific studies have shown no lasting health benefits of alkaline water, and excessively alkaline water (pH > 9) may even disrupt digestion and weaken natural defenses.

Shared Responsibility for Clean Water

Public debates often swing between extremes: technocratic reliance on safety limits versus unscientific claims of “energized” or “structured” water. Neither approach addresses the complexity of water quality.

Responsibility is shared:

• Governments must introduce stricter limits for emerging pollutants like PFAS.
• Industries must adopt sustainable processes.
• Science must lead with interdisciplinary research.
• Individuals must use water responsibly.

Believing water in developed nations is automatically safe is a dangerous misconception

What Makes Good Water?

Truly good water must meet four criteria:

• Free of harmful contaminants
• Naturally structured biologically
• High in conductivity and solubility
• Easily absorbed and metabolically alkalizing

Many existing systems only achieve part of this. Reverse osmosis filters remove pollutants but strip minerals and waste water. Ion exchangers swap calcium for sodium without removing toxins. Activated carbon is selective and incomplete. The market is flooded with unverified claims, leaving consumers confused and transparency lacking.

Evodrop’s Approach

At Evodrop, we bridge science, technology, and education. Our modular systems combine ultra-fine membranes, catalytically activated carbon, eco-friendly salt-free descaling with natural malic acid, and structure-enhancing features like turbulence and optional molecular hydrogen. This ensures top-quality water while protecting appliances and plumbing, environmentally and health safe.

Our priority is not marketing claims but scientifically validated results. Collaborating with laboratories and universities, we test and refine our systems to provide water that excels chemically, physically, and biologically. Solutions that work even where municipal supplies fail.

Rethinking Water for the Future

Water is more than H₂O. It carries substances, information, and energy, forming the basis of life. Addressing the global water crisis requires a deeper understanding than volumes, pipes, and safety thresholds.

I believe the water quality of tomorrow will not be defined by chlorine or lab numbers but by recognizing its multidimensional properties. Rethinking water demands scientific rigor, technological innovation, and social responsibility. The solutions exist, we simply need to use them.

Read Issue 15 of H2O Global News here.

The Future of Water: Innovative Solutions for a Global Crisis
louise davey

In many parts of the world, conventional water treatment systems remain out of reach. They’re either too costly, too complex, or too dependent on unreliable power infrastructure. But AguaClara Reach, a nonprofit engineering organisation, is working to change that by reimagining what clean water technology can look like in underserved communities. Their work couldn’t be happening at a more important time with around 2.2 billion people around the world still lacking access to safe drinking water (UNICEF), and approximately 3.5 million people dying each year due to inadequate water supply, sanitation and hygiene (United Nations). 

At the heart of AguaClara’s mission is an exciting vision: delivering high-quality water using low-tech, sustainable and locally adaptable systems. It’s a vision that’s already proving very effective. Not only is it helping to improve health outcomes, it is transforming entire communities. 

Designed for Reality

AguaClara’s plants are engineered specifically for the realities of rural and resource-limited settings. They design water treatment plants to remove harmful pathogens and particles, but also focus on providing a resilient and reliable design. Simplicity is key. 

The primary threats to water quality in many of the regions AguaClara serves include microbial contamination and sediment-laden turbidity from erosion. Their systems are engineered specifically to address these challenges without relying on imported components or complex maintenance. In rural settings where untreated surface water is often the only available source, AguaClara’s simple, robust systems offer a practical lifeline. The ability to process highly turbid water and reduce pathogen risk without relying on electricity is a wonderful technological achievement. 

Cheer Tsang, one of the Board of Directors at AguaClara Reach, was able to explain more about the technology: 

“Conventional high-tech water treatment technologies combine software, sensors and mechanised controls for plant operation. These systems require many moving specialised parts that inevitably break. Too often, the result is that the entire plant is abandoned after a few years. However, at AguaClara Reach we use very few moving parts, which decreases failure modes. We also use local materials and labour, making the plant less expensive to build, maintain and operate. No electricity is required to operate our plants, ensuring reliable treatment.”

This approach has enabled AguaClara to address not just technical challenges but also critical social issues, such as gender inequality and public health. 

“In the communities where an AguaClara plant has been installed, readily available safe water on tap eliminates the need for people to travel for miles to fetch water or to purchase bottled water at higher prices. As this burden often falls on women and girls, the time spent traveling to and from a water source can prohibit girls from receiving an education.”

Engineered for Sustainability

AguaClara Reach is committed to long-term sustainability. All the core treatment processes are designed to work entirely without electricity and they encourage local adaptation to ensure communities have both the knowledge and the tools to maintain their own systems.

“These processes have been developed and optimised through decades of research and can consistently treat raw water with a turbidity up to 1000 NTU to a finished effluent of less than 1 NTU. The open-source design, consisting of non-proprietary materials with few moving parts, makes long-term treatment system operation and maintenance affordable.”

A powerful example of this can be found in Honduras, where AguaClara has helped build over 20 gravity-powered water treatment plants serving tens of thousands of people. Each system is operated by a local water board trained in the operation and maintenance of the plant. The boards collect small user tariffs (affordable and scaled to income levels) which fund upkeep, repairs, and salaries for operators. This has resulted in systems that are still running smoothly over a decade after installation. More importantly, they are fully owned by the communities themselves, transforming water access from a temporary aid project into a permanent public service.

A New Model for Global Water Access

AguaClara’s work raises an important question for the future of water treatment. Should more regions be focusing on accessibility and eliminating complexity? 

“We see technology evolving as a way to close the gap between communities that already have safe, reliable water and those that have been historically left behind. Many conventional water technologies are too complex, costly or dependent on electricity and imported parts, which makes them difficult to sustain in rural or resource-limited settings.”

Instead, AguaClara is pioneering a model of technology that is simple to operate, built from locally available materials and designed to run on gravity. Their systems represent a powerful example of how thoughtful, low-tech engineering can offer reliable and scalable solutions.

“The most impactful technologies will be those that are open-source, adaptable to different water quality challenges, and designed with long-term sustainability in mind.”

In a world racing for high-tech fixes, AguaClara proves that sometimes the most radical innovations are the ones that let gravity (and local communities) do the work.

Reimagining Water Treatment: How Low-Tech Innovation is Raising Water Quality Standards in Underserved Communities
louise davey

Municipal water companies around the world have increasingly high expectations of their suppliers of filtration equipment and solutions. Procurement decisions are shaped by regulatory pressures, environmental goals, cost constraints and the constant need for reliability and innovation. Keith Wickert, Technical Manager at leading process filter manufacturer Amazon Filters, will discuss the latest in technology enhancements when he presents at the WWT Drinking Water Quality Europe event in Amsterdam in November. Here, Keith outlines his key message. 

When it comes to technical performance and reliability, our customers in the municipal water supply sector look for proven effectiveness. They want filtration solutions that meet or exceed performance standards for the control of turbidity and removal of contaminants such as manganese and cryptosporidium. 

Process filtration must operate reliably over time, with minimal fouling, clogging or degradation, and be scalable so as to handle variable flow rates. It must also be sufficiently future-proof to comply with tightening regulations. 

At Amazon Filters, we have made and supplied filters, housings and critical filtration solutions to support the municipal water supply in the UK and Europe for 40 years, with an increasing focus now on customers right across the world.

Among our products is SupaSpun II, an absolute-rated depth filter that has long been on the approved list for use in the UK public water supply under the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s Regulation 31. 

Based on flow rates and projections, cartridge filtration involving SupaSpun II helped to filter more than 350 billion litres of water last year, ensuring a safe, clean and consistent supply to tens of millions of homes and businesses. 

In March 2024, after extensive testing, SupaSpun II also gained KTW DVGW certification for safety in the municipal water sector under German regulations set down by the standards body DVGW, the German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water. This is expected to be the springboard for EU-wide approval in the future.

For all our products aimed at the public water supply sector, including SupaSpun II, we have ensured that technical enhancements comply fully with the recasting of the EU Water Directive (DWD) 98/83/EC and its tighter rules on cartridge filtration. The directive revised down the previous indicator level of turbidity at the tap from <1NTU to <0.3NTU. Municipal water filtration systems installed across the UK are already helping suppliers meet this target.

At the same time, we have released sustainable polypropylene versions of SupaSpun II and other flagship products. This is of direct benefit to our customers in the municipal water sector who are keen to see green innovation and a lower carbon footprint among their suppliers.  

In the UK this has come about just as the water industry begins to manage assets, deliver services and invest in infrastructure under the latest five-year regulatory cycle, AMP8, running from this year to 2030. 

As demand continues to rise and we see further changes in the environment, the challenges involved in maintaining continuous supply will only intensify.  

My key message when I present to industry leaders in Amsterdam will be how Amazon Filters can support industry in the drive for continual improvements in the public water supply through technology enhancements and treatment innovation, and the part that robust, sustainable filtration can play in that aim. 

Components and equipment with long lifespans that are sustainably made, offer cost-efficiency in operating environments and minimise downtime are fundamental.  

My colleague Lisa Astbury, our Head of UK Sales, is an expert in all the critical aspects of industry engagement and offers complementary insight in support of the message. 

“The successful management and performance of ‘source-to-tap’ investments over the next five years will be an essential aspect of UK water companies’ response to AMP8,” says Lisa. “The same kinds of challenges are there for the municipal water supply in other countries too, spanning environmental, regulatory, financial and technological factors. Suppliers of technology, equipment and solutions, including filter manufacturers like us, need to demonstrate an evolving mix of value for customers. This includes support for energy and resource efficiency, digital integration, real-time monitoring, ESG credentials and a strong sustainability ethos.”

For further details of WWT Drinking Water Quality Europe, visit www.utilityweek.co.uk/event/wwt-drinking-water-quality-europe.

For more information on Amazon Filters’ activities in the water sector, visit www.amazonfilters.com/water-filtration.

Safeguarding supply: why robust process filters are more critical than ever
louise davey

At H2O Global News, we love dogs and make no excuses for including a story about one of our furry friends. Especially when she is doing a great job finding oil spills and keeping freshwater lakes pristine. Poppy, a beautiful Springer Spaniel working in Canada’s IISD Experimental Lakes Area, puts her nose to good use snuffling out oil hidden under ice. To find out more, we interviewed Sumeep Bath, who told us more about the role sniffer dogs can play in water quality. 

Could you tell us about yourself?

I’m Sumeep Bath, and I’m lucky enough to be the communications manager for IISD Experimental Lakes Area, the world’s freshwater laboratory. Seriously, my science communication friends are a little jealous! I love this role because I can reach different audiences, whether I’m writing a serious policy brief or making a fun TikTok.

The best part? The place itself is incredibly photogenic, and the organization understands the value of communicating its work to the outside world.

What is the IISD Experimental Lakes Area?

IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is a one-of-a-kind natural laboratory. It’s made up of 58 pristine lakes and their watersheds in a remote area of northwestern Ontario, Canada, where they’re completely untouched by human activity.

This unique setting allows scientists to manipulate entire lakes to study how everything in the ecosystem—from the air to the fish—responds. Because these are real-world experiments, the findings are more accurate and reliable than research conducted in smaller, lab-based settings. This approach led to groundbreaking discoveries that have influenced billion-dollar decisions by governments and industries, shaping cost-effective policies and regulations to safeguard freshwater resources.

Why are oil spills such a problem and why are they difficult to detect?

An oil spill is the unintentional release of oil into the environment during transport via trucks, rail, or pipelines, which can contaminate freshwater ecosystems. In North America, one common type of oil transported is bitumen from the Alberta oil sands. Because bitumen is too thick to flow through pipelines, it’s diluted with lighter oils to create a mixture called diluted bitumen or “dilbit.”

Northern Canada is particularly vulnerable to oil spills, as pipelines and rail lines often cross frozen waterways. Spills in these remote, ice-covered areas are incredibly difficult and expensive to detect. Traditional methods require heavy machinery for drilling or underwater navigation, making the process time-consuming and challenging. Detecting these spills is vital to preventing devastating economic and ecological impacts.

How can sniffer dogs help? 

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, which is why they work in places like airports. A dog’s nose has up to 300 million scent receptors, while a human’s has only about six million. The part of a dog’s brain that processes smells is also 40 times bigger than ours.

Essentially, dogs “see” the world with their nose. That’s why using trained dogs to find oil spills is so effective—it’s a new application of a skill they’ve always had.

What are the advantages of using sniffer dogs? 

Recent research at the IISD Experimental Lakes Area yielded excellent results: specially trained detection dogs successfully located two different types of oil under lake ice in a double-blind study. In all six trials, the dogs correctly identified the oil’s location with no false negatives.

This is a significant breakthrough. Current technologies for detecting oil under ice—such as ground-penetrating radar and remote or autonomous underwater vehicles—are slow and extremely expensive, with some systems costing up to $6 million plus daily operating fees of $30,000.

While canine detection has not yet proven effective in complex urban environments, this research highlights the growing potential for using dogs in environmental surveys.

How long did it take to train Poppy? 

Poppy, a detection dog specializing in environmental surveys, was trained by Paul Bunker, a British Army veteran and founder of Chiron K9. With over 40 years of experience with working dogs, Bunker began training Poppy as a puppy after receiving her as a gift.

The training process is straightforward. A target scent—like oil, explosives, or even endangered species—is paired with a reward, such as a squeaky tennis ball or a treat. For Poppy, this makes the work feel like a game. When she successfully hunts down and finds the scent, she’s rewarded, reinforcing the desired behaviour.

Have you any plans to expand the programme?

A representative from the Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island contacted us for help finding several undocumented and abandoned oil wells. Following the story, they reached out to see if our oil-sniffing dog team could assist. Our head scientist, Vince Palace, is currently in discussions to determine how our technology can help.

Perhaps the most important question: What is Poppy’s favourite treat?

For Poppy, her favourite squeaky tennis ball is the ultimate reward. It’s not just a treat; it’s the payoff for a job well done. When she successfully finds an oil spill, we celebrate her success together, and she gets to play with her ball, making the whole process a fun game.

Finding Oil Spills with Poppy: Are Sniffer Dogs the Answer?
louise davey

The genesis for Planet Water Foundation was the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. Planet Water’s founder, Mark Steele, was at that time working for U.S.-based ITT Industries, overseeing the company’s operations in China, and as part of the company’s CSR work, took on the role of leading the company’s response to the devastation caused by the tsunami in Sri Lanka. This had a profound impact and led to Mark’s desire to focus his efforts on addressing issues around access to safe water and, ultimately, founding Planet Water Foundation in 2009. 

From here, Mark designed and created the AquaTower water filtration system, which has since been deployed in over 2,000 communities around the world, particularly in underserved areas. Along with this, subsequent water filtration solutions were designed for rapid response in the wake of natural disasters where access to safe drinking water is of critical, urgent need.

Planet Water’s AquaTower Technology

The AquaTower was developed to be a robust water filtration system which can operate in areas where infrastructure is very basic or lacking entirely. The system is designed to use minimal electricity, utilising a small electric pump. In some cases, a treadle pump brings the water source to the tank, and from there, the system functions by gravity. The AquaTower pulls in water from sources such as ponds and borewells, which are usually quite badly contaminated with faecal bacteria or agricultural waste. 

Over the years, based on the observations made through Planet Water’s project sustainability program and feedback from the communities its supported, they have continually enhanced the design of the system – from incorporating anodized aluminium and marine grade stainless steel to form the system’s key structural elements, to continued enhancements in filtration process and technology, to the addition of handwashing infrastructure with liquid soap dispensers.

Planet Water have also innovated with new solutions, like its AquaBlock Emergency Water Filtration System, which was explicitly designed in the context of disaster response. These turnkey systems are designed to be rapidly deployable in evacuation centres following natural disasters and provide enhanced filtration capabilities to serve larger numbers of people. 

Disaster Response Strategy & Long-Term Water Solutions

To expedite their response process, they have launched the Planet Water Foundation Disaster Response Alliance, a programme that enables companies to pre-fund its disaster response work. Planet Water then provides its program partners with the option to opt in or out of any response they undertake, allowing them to apply funding accordingly. This allows Planet Water to position its AquaTower and AquaBlock systems in logistics hubs around the world, enabling Planet Water to respond quickly in the event of a disaster.

In terms of how they respond, Planet Water tailors its response based on the unique circumstances of each event. Every event presents its own set of challenges. For example, in Asheville, North Carolina, following Hurricane Helene, whilst the water systems were seriously affected, most community members were still able to stay in their homes. As such, Planet Water focused on positioning its AquaBlock systems in locations that were easily accessible to residents who drove by car to fill containers with safe drinking water. These locations were either in centres where non-potable water was being trucked in, or next to creeks, which they would use as source water. By contrast, following the earthquake in Myanmar earlier this year, many residents had lost their homes and had relocated to tented camps. As such, Planet Water focused its deployments on those camps.

With all of Planet Water’s responses, the team plans to provide ongoing support as needed. For example, in Asheville, its AquaBlock systems were in the field for three months, until the municipal water supplies were fully restored and deemed safe to drink. In Myanmar, many of the relocation camps were set up in schools, and so its AquaTowers will have a second life providing safe water to the school once the camps are closed.  

Regional Focus and Expansion

Planet Water’s school-based projects are focused on Asia and Latin America. In its operational countries in these regions, there is still a lot of support needed in terms of expanding access to safe drinking water. As such, Planet Water are not actively looking to expand into new regions due to the high investment costs required to enter a new country. 

Planet Water’s Disaster Response work is global, though. For example, they have supported responses to disasters in Africa (Morocco and Libya), Europe (Ukraine and Turkey), and the USA. Suppose a disaster occurs in a country without team members. In that case, Planet Water has a detailed checklist that they run through to assess feasibility – i.e., can Planet Water find a local deployment partner, ship its water filtration systems into the country, and mobilise quickly, among other factors. 

How Planet Water Hopes to Meet Changing Global Water Challenges

Planet Water are constantly looking at how it can leverage new technologies to enhance the impact it makes. They are currently field testing a new version of their AquaBlock emergency water filtration system and exploring ways to provide beneficiaries in disaster response scenarios with receptacles to collect and store the safe water they collect from the AquaBlock. Planet Water will also be launching an exciting new solution later this year to be added to its Disaster Response offering. Stay tuned for more information on that!

For more information on how to support Planet Water Foundation, please visit https://planet-water.org/ways-to-give.

View full H2O Global News Magazine Issue 15 here.

From Disaster Relief to Lasting Change: The Global Impact of Planet Water’s Filtration Technology
louise davey