Why Water: A Journey with Rajankumar Patel

From Scarcity to Purpose: Rajankumar Patel’s Journey into Water Treatment

His Journey:

For Rajankumar, water has never been just another utility. Born in the small village of Sukhpura in India, he recalls the struggle to access clean water. At age six, his family moved to the nearby town of Kapadwanj. There, the water supply was limited to every other day, requiring inhabitants to store and conserve every drop. Occasionally, water tankers would deliver drinking water, creating a deeper awareness of just how precious and unpredictable water access could be.

After completing his studies in chemical engineering at Dharmsinh Desai University in Nadiad in 2011, he began his professional journey in the water treatment industry. He worked on drinking water and intake systems, designing treatment plants that would help deliver safe water to underserved cities.

In 2017, he joined Ovivo, bringing with him not just technical expertise but a personal mission. He began working in the Biosolids department, collaborating with the U.S. team and exploring how to treat sludge from wastewater processes to generate energy. It was a perfect fit: a role that allowed him to protect water while also creating sustainable energy from waste. “I knew what it was like to live without water. That experience shaped everything for me,” he says.

The Significance of Water:

For Rajankumar, water is more than a resource; it’s a symbol of care and responsibility.
He always advocates for water conservation. He believes that valuing water is a mindset that must be nurtured early and passed on. He teaches his son to use only what’s needed, to never waste water, and to understand the deep connection between water, health, and life.

He also reflected on the environmental impact of untreated or poorly treated wastewater. “If companies put dirty water back into rivers, people can get sick. That’s not just bad practice, it’s dangerous,” he says. “We have to do better, not just for now, but for those who come after us.”

Why Water with Ovivo?

When Rajankumar joined Ovivo in 2017, he didn’t just find a new job, he found an organization that aligned with his values. He appreciates Ovivo’s commitment to doing things the right way. “At Ovivo, there’s a lot of respect for regulations and standards. We don’t just treat part of the water. We treat it completely. That’s the difference,” he explains.

His work gives him a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It’s not just about solving technical problems; it’s about impacting people’s lives and the environment. The chance to work on innovative technology, while staying true to his values, has made Ovivo more than just a workplace; it’s a platform for change.

What Does the Future of Water Treatment Look Like?

For Rajankumar, the future is clear: water will define the next era of global innovation and sustainability. “The future belongs to those who understand the value of water,” he says.

He urges the next generation to take notice, not just to conserve water, but to consider building careers around it.

He believes that companies like Ovivo, which truly value and protect water, will lead the way. The future will require new technologies, better standards, and deeper respect for the environment.
Rajankumar remains rooted in his purpose, one that began in a small village and a lesson in gratitude. He says, “I work for my son. For future generations. And I see, the future is in water.”