Why Water: A Journey with Zia Klocke

In a conversation with Zia Klocke, Research Engineer at Ovivo USA, Municipal/Industrial, she walks us through her journey into the world of water treatment, with unexpected twists and turns that shaped her professional path.

Her Journey:

With a background in chemical engineering, Zia initially immersed herself in the details of industrial chemical processes, with water viewed as merely a byproduct to manage. Her perspective shifted during an eye-opening internship in Cape Town, South Africa, where she confronted the tough reality of water scarcity. The experience ignited a newfound appreciation for the value of water as a precious resource, ultimately prompting Zia to pivot her career focus toward wastewater consulting.

As she dug deeper into the realm of water treatment for several years as a consultant, Zia found herself drawn to the complex challenge of addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS (per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances). She ended up working as a consultant with Ovivo on a PFAS project and recognizing the urgent need for innovative solutions in this field, she seized the opportunity to join Ovivo’s PFAS team in 2023.  Now her expertise and passion had found a perfect match.

Reflecting on her transition from chemical engineering to water treatment, Zia credits her connection to water as a driving force behind her career path. Fond memories of fly fishing and kayaking in Oregon, USA instilled in her a deep admiration for water’s beauty and purity, inspiring her commitment to preserving and enhancing water quality.

The Significance of Water:

Zia finds herself immersed in a dynamic and rewarding field. For her, water is more than just a resource; it’s a foundation of community well-being and vitality. With a commitment to ensuring access to clean, fresh water for all, Zia’s work in water treatment is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to safeguard public health and safety.

Beyond the technical complexities of water treatment, Zia acknowledges the profound human dimension of the work. Communities grappling with PFAS contamination face not only environmental challenges but also profound questions of trust and safety, “building public confidence in drinking water quality requires not only scientific solutions but also transparent communication, community engagement, and empathy for those affected” she says.

Why Water with Ovivo?

Zia highlights Ovivo’s commitment to employee development and support, “they actively encourage exploration, creativity, and continuous growth”. She mentions that her colleagues consistently inspire her to set her sights higher, fostering an environment where ambitious goals are not only encouraged but celebrated.

Beyond individual empowerment, Zia emphasizes Ovivo’s pride in the quality and performance of its products. She notes that Ovivo fosters a horizontal structure that encourages collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a comprehensive understanding of wastewater and water treatment processes. She shares that “employees are not simply experts in their specific products or roles; they have an understanding of the entire treatment system, enabling them to provide innovative and integrated solutions to complex challenges.”

What Does the Future of Water Treatment Look Like?

With a keen focus on maximizing efficiency and optimizing treatment processes, Zia envisions a future where every drop of water is utilized and valued.

She acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in ensuring equitable access to advanced treatment technologies. From outdated infrastructure to complex water solutions, navigating the evolving landscape of water treatment requires ingenuity, collaboration, and unwavering dedication.

Despite the hurdles, Zia remains undeterred in her mission to safeguard our most precious resource.