Why does Veralto matter in today's world?
Veralto plays a crucial role in addressing significant challenges such as extreme weather events and climate change, which impact water safety in municipalities. When industries face disruptions like floods, ensuring the cleanliness of water output becomes critical. That is where we come alongside industry to help them. Our significance extends to managing emerging contaminants, which are increasingly prevalent and impactful. We, as consumers, are using PFAS, and it is not going to go away. It plays an important part in innovation, from medical applications and space exploration. By working alongside industries that create PFAS, we aid in removing harmful contaminants from water.
We are actively involved in helping chemical plants manage disruptions that could compromise water quality, such as equipment failures or contamination. We deploy mobile treatment solutions and provide operational support to ensure continuous compliance and protection of water resources. This proactive approach not only addresses immediate issues but also builds resilience against potential future disruptions.
How is Veralto's approach evolving in response to regulatory changes and emerging threats?
Regulatory demands and the emergence of new contaminants drive the evolution of our services. Our focus on emerging contaminants, like PFAS, is driving us to develop innovative solutions that do not require specialized knowledge for water testing. You shouldn’t need a PhD in chemistry to know your water is safe. This democratization of water testing is critical as it empowers municipalities and industries to monitor water safety effectively. Our innovation extends to advanced technologies such as fluorescent technologies and ultraviolet treatment, which are essential in detecting and neutralizing harmful contaminants at very low levels.
Could you elaborate on the technologies Veralto uses for removing contaminants like PFAS?
We take a bespoke approach to removing contaminants from water. One example is the use of advanced oxidation process (AOP), which combines ultraviolet light and peroxides to break down chemical and biological pollutants effectively. This method is particularly effective against complex contaminants like dioxane, prevalent in areas like Long Island. AOP represents a cutting-edge solution in our treatment arsenal, ensuring that we can address contaminants comprehensively and keep communities safe from emerging chemical threats.
In a recent interview, I was told that the word best used to describe PFAS was ubiquitous. How do you begin to address the huge task of removing PFAS from the environment?
Our strategy for managing PFAS involves a comprehensive understanding of its ecosystem, from production through to its ultimate impact on wastewater facilities and natural water bodies. By collaborating with PFAS producers and understanding their needs, we aim to manage the lifecycle of these chemicals effectively. This involves assessing and mitigating the impact at every point—from industrial applications to municipal water systems—ensuring that our approach aligns with both environmental needs and industrial requirements. This ecosystem-based strategy is crucial for addressing the ubiquity of PFAS and mitigating its effects efficiently.
Why is the U.S. - 4 parts per trillion - being more stringent than European regulators - 150 parts per trillion - when it comes to levels of PFAS in drinking water?
The intention behind setting such low regulatory limits for contaminants like PFAS is to exert pressure on the system to eliminate harmful chemicals. However, another challenge is the practicality of dealing with these contaminants once captured—whether in filters or granulated activated carbon, they still need disposal. This often leads to other environmental issues, such as potential leaching from landfills or emissions from incineration, effectively just moving the problem around. The regulations are well-meaning but could drive up industry costs and shift the problem rather than solving it fundamentally.
On a personal note, what actions would you recommend people close to you to take when it comes to education around PFAS contamination?
I recommend that individuals take the time to read and understand their local water quality reports, which are sent out by municipalities. These reports detail the contaminants tested for and their levels in the water supply. It’s important for everyone, especially families, to be informed about what is in their water and understand the measures being taken to ensure its safety. At home, I engage my children in this learning process, showing them how water testing works using simple kits that even children can use.
Could you elaborate on the role of digitalization in managing water quality and other industry challenges?
Digitalization is pivotal in managing water quality, offering real-time data and predictive insights that enhance our ability to respond to issues, including extreme weather events and environmental changes. At Veralto, we integrate digital tools like our Aquatic Informatics software with our Hawk sensors and data analytics to monitor and manage water conditions effectively.
In the context of Veralto, what keeps you up at night?
Honestly, nothing keeps me up at night at Veralto.
I feel empowered and optimistic about our direction and the impact we are making. One of our core values at Veralto is serving humanity with purpose and integrity, which we strive to embody both within and outside the company walls. This value drives our commitment to safeguarding vital resources and informs our approach to company culture and employee engagement.
We focus on creating a workplace where employees feel connected to our mission and motivated by the role they play in serving the community and the environment.
Following a busy year after your spin off, what can we expect from Veralto and your subsidiaries moving forward?
We are still in the early stages of establishing itself post-spinoff from Danaher, focusing on solidifying our brand and market presence. Moving forward, you can expect continued innovation and performance in the market as we leverage our heritage of operational excellence and adapt it to meet the specific needs of the water treatment industry.
