Environmental Business Review: Specials Magazine

Most wastewater systems work well—at first. Standard solutions are built for predictable conditions, designed to meet baseline compliance and throughput. But in the real world, not every plant operates the same way. Variables like influent quality, flow rates, operational priorities, and regulatory pressures shift constantly. Off-the-shelf systems and rigid designs can’t adapt fast enough. Plants end up stuck—modifying equipment, creating workarounds, and fighting uphill battles to stay compliant and productive. That’s where Clean Water Technology, Inc. (CWT) stands apart. As a global leader in engineering and manufacturing for wastewater treatment, the company builds solutions flexible enough to integrate into any treatment plan, regardless of complexity or changing conditions. Its systems are not confined to a single mode of operation—flexibility is built into their foundation, allowing them to evolve with shifting processes, regulatory requirements, and business needs. Whether adapting to new load profiles, scaling production, or meeting tighter discharge limits, CWT solutions adjust without the need for costly retrofits or operational compromises. Instead of working against change, the technology works with it—keeping productivity high, compliance straightforward, and operations focused on what matters most. “We’re not here to sell you a new pump. We’re here to make your plant work better—with smarter processes, better integration, and modern tech that transforms what you already have into something far more efficient,” says Ariel Lechter, CEO and president. Patented Technology That Raises the Bar The company has transformed the wastewater industry with its patented technologies. Backed by significant investment in research and development, these solutions are engineered to meet the demands of any wastewater application—from primary systems and advanced anaerobic systems to complete, end-to-end treatment solutions. The flagship innovation—the Gas Energy Mixing (GEM) System—is a proprietary solution that provides a distinct edge over conventional methods. Before the GEM System, wastewater treatment relied on Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF), which uses a large tank and a bed of bubbles and chemical additives to float low-density particles. The GEM System takes a completely different approach, using hydrocyclone technology instead of conventional flotation. In a large tank, a DAF adds air at the very end of the process to float particles that are attached only by the collision method. In the GEM System, air is dissolved into 100 percent of the waste stream, generating true nanobubbles that attach to the floc. All separation occurs inside the vortex motion in the hydrocyclone. By the time the water leaves the hydrocyclone and enters the tank, the solids and liquids are separated. In a much smaller tank the floc is then skimmed from the surface, delivering superior results. The GEM System allows for higher efficiency in chemical use, has a smaller footprint, and produces drier sludge. Though the system has been on the market for over 20 years, it has been continuously improved and remains best in class. The product excels in primary treatment, offering scalability for flow and loading—key factors in wastewater management. Its adaptability makes it ideal for modern factories that need systems to grow with them, while also reducing chemical consumption and operational costs. In secondary wastewater treatment, CWT stands out as one of the few companies to develop an Expanded Granular Sludge Bed (EGSB) system tailored for smaller-scale use. While most major engineering firms only deploy EGSBs for large projects, CWT’s EGSB can handle lower flows at costs that are within the budgets of small companies—making the technology accessible to a broader range of facilities. CWT was also the first to bring the “Swingmill” to market—a dual screw press that dewaters sludge and is self-cleaning. This dual benefit reduces the amount of sludge while reducing downtime and maintenance. These innovations highlight how CWT stays ahead of the curve and continues to push the industry forward. Support Beyond the System Along with advanced systems, the company provides a range of support services designed to give customers clarity and confidence at every stage. These include lab reports, system demonstrations, and access to online training courses. Operators can receive specialized training through CWT’s digital learning platform to ensure proper system use and maintenance. It also maintains an in-house laboratory, where customers regularly send samples for ongoing analysis and performance optimization.