Why Water: A Journey with Hermann Semlitsch

DRIVEN BY CURIOSITY, DEFINED BY WATER: HERMANN’S STORY

In a conversation with Hermann Semlitsch, Global Design Manager at Ovivo Austria, we explore a career built on steady growth and dedication. Hermann’s story is one of perseverance, curiosity, and respect for water. His path reflects not only personal evolution but also the values that define Ovivo’s approach to one of the world’s most precious resources, water.

His Journey:

Hermann’s career unfolded naturally, step by step, shaped by hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to grow.  Born and raised in Austria, he completed the country’s standard nine years of schooling before making a decision that would define the rest of his career: “I didn’t want to study anymore, I just wanted to work.” That decision brought him to Ovivo, where he began an apprenticeship in 2002. Over the next 3.5 years, he split his time between 10 months of hands-on work and 2 months of vocational school each year, earning his apprenticeship as a technical draftsman.

What followed was a steady rise through the ranks, from apprentice to Global Design Manager. “I wanted to do my job well and understand it deeply. Everything else happened step by step,” he says. Along the way, he supported across Switzerland, Germany, the UK, and the Emirates, including ultrapure water treatment systems, wastewater treatment solutions and desalination plants. Each experience enriched his understanding of water treatment and global teamwork.

The Significance of Water:

His understanding of water’s value runs deep, rooted in engineering and experience. “When I was a kid, we didn’t have access to a public water supply,” he recalls. “We had to rely on our natural springs and wells. I know what it’s like to run out of water.”

When the spring dried up, the local fire department had to deliver drinking water.  Even now, his family collects rainwater and continues to use their well. “It started as a cost-saving measure,” he says, “but it’s also about sustainability. You learn not to take water for granted.”

Why Water with Ovivo?

What started as a practical decision at 15 turned into a passion. Today, he’s proud to be an expert in piping design and water treatment. “I love that every project is different. Whether it’s ultrapure water, wastewater, or another type, it’s what I’ve spent years learning and love doing.

He also highlights Ovivo’s commitment to innovation. “We have a strong research and development team and a culture of problem-solving that many other companies don’t have on the same scale. Our values, integrity, teamwork, and ownership aren’t just words; they’re lived in our day-to-day.”

What Does the Future of Water Treatment Look Like?

For someone who’s spent more than two decades in the industry, the answer is simple: “Water is life. We will always need it. But how we deliver it must keep evolving.”

As populations grow and resource demands increase, the role of advanced technology in water treatment becomes even more critical. “The requirements are getting more complex, especially in industries like semiconductors, where the purity standards are incredibly high.”

He believes that Ovivo is well-positioned for the future. “The complexity of water treatment is increasing, but so is our ability to meet those challenges. With strong innovation and collaboration, we can continue to deliver the quality and sustainability the world needs.”