Why Water: A Journey with Denis Ryabinin

In a conversation with Denis Ryabinin, Technical Services Engineer at Ovivo Canada, he describes how working in the water industry is more than just a career, it’s a mission. Having witnessed water challenges in Russia and the Dominican Republic, he is deeply motivated to be part of the solution.

His Journey:

Born in Dzerzhinsk, Russia, Denis Ryabinin grew up witnessing firsthand the consequences of poor water management. The city’s heavy industrial activity left its water sources contaminated with toxic waste, sparking an early awareness of water quality issues.

At the age of nine, he moved with his parents to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, where water challenges took on a different form. Despite being surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the island faced freshwater scarcity, relying heavily on aquifers and rivers for drinking water. Yet, much of the supply was lost due to inefficient infrastructure. The sight of black rooftop water tanks, a common backup system for households, became a reminder of the region’s water reliability issues.

Later, he relocated to Edmonton, Canada, to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at the University of Alberta. It was during his studies that his interest in water treatment was truly ignited. An internship with EPCOR (a local utility provider) introduced him to the industry. His first term in the drainage department exposed him to the intricacies of wastewater collection systems. Fascinated by how water was managed, he made it a point to secure his second internship with them in the water department at their Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his passion and career path in water treatment.

The Significance of Water:

Through his internships, he realized how vast and complex the water industry was. The scale of infrastructure, the technology involved, and the vital role it played in protecting communities opened his eyes to the industry’s impact. When asked to write an essay about his future career aspirations, he confidently declared his intention to work in water treatment, a promise he fulfilled upon graduation. “Everyone deserves access to clean water,” he says. “Knowing that my work contributes to making water safer and more accessible drives me every day.”

Why Water with Ovivo?

In June 2022, he joined Ovivo, working in the Tech Services Department, where he provides aftermarket support and contributes to design projects.

What sets Ovivo apart for him is its commitment to innovation. He points to the company’s acquisitions of specialized technology providers, like E2metrix, as a testament to its forward-thinking approach and how Ovivo integrates cutting-edge solutions to tackle emerging industry challenges.

Beyond technology, he highlights Ovivo’s collaborative culture. “The teamwork here is exceptional,” he shares. “Everyone is always willing to help, and it truly feels like a family.”

What Does the Future of Water Treatment Look Like?

Looking ahead, he envisions the future of water treatment being driven by technology and artificial intelligence.  He also sees electro-oxidation and other advanced technologies becoming more widely used, as the industry strives to meet stricter regulatory standards and address growing water scarcity concerns.