Our Approach
Unlike our competitors, AquaDiversities provides a design, a product and ongoing operational support that ensures regulatory conformance.
Our Aqua™ modular water treatment plants are economical for small communities or camps requiring treated drinking water. The simple design is the size of a 20 foot shipping container and can be shipped anywhere lowering installation complexity.
Our municipal systems are less complex than others and are also designed with simple long term operation in mind. We work with local government and utilities to ensure they are getting the best solution for their constituents.
We stand behind our products and offer operation and maintenance services as well as operator training.
As a major distributors and representatives for all major water and wastewater equipment and supplies, we pass on competitive pricing to our customers.
Our Story
Every business has a beginning. Ours started in 2004 and has evolved steadily ever since. The key to AquaDiversities’ success is our positive team attitude.
We all work, eat, sleep and dream about water treatment.Our systems are designed with economy and ease of operations in mind and we focus on simplicity through design.
We care about our products and our customers. Transparency, integrity and professionalism are our core standards. Our mandate is to improve and preserve water quality for existing as well as future generations.
Meet the Team
These are some of the people who make our business stand above the rest. It’s our combined passion that pushes our team to excel.
Nathan Ward, W.Q.T.
Senior Water Quality Technologist | CEO of AquaDiversities Inc.
Principal of AquaDiversities Inc., Nathan is an applied Water Quality Technologist bringing unparalleled experience to the table.
Nathan is a certified water and wastewater operator with over 20 years of international experience in varying aspects of design, construction and operation. Nathan was part of the team that worked with Health Canada to develop the Parks Canada Drinking Water Guidelines and was awarded the CEO Award Of Excellence by Parks Canada for an innovative approach to small drinking water systems in National Parks.
Nathan brings an operations perspective to water treatment design, providing systems that are cost effective and easy to operate. By considering a system’s end use, Nathan’s work results in innovative, cutting edge designs and technologies, which raise the bar for available treatment at a reasonable price point. Nathan specializes in controls design (automation) for water and wastewater treatment plants, including PLC logic and programming which is an invaluable tool of efficient operation and maintenance.
Coordination with regulatory agencies is one of Nathan’s specialties. He maintains positive relationships with many local health officers and health engineers through regular coordination and monthly operations reports. Nathan has an excellent record of construction permit approvals, due to his in depth understanding of the permitting process and requirements. Nathan has designed several water treatment systems, primarily in the Kootenays, within the RDCK, such as Bourke Creek Improvement District, Ridgewood Road Improvement District and Blaylocks Condos. The system installed at Blaylocks Condos was awarded the 2012 BCWWA Excellence award for a cost effective and innovative approach to a small water treatment system.
Nathan has recent experience with Design-Build projects, including water treatment plants. Specifically, he was a key member of the team that made the Village of Nakusp Water Treatment Plant, Waste Water Treatment Plant, and Micro Hydro projects possible.
Steven Thomson, P. Eng.
Professional Engineer
Steven is a Civil Engineer and Project Manager with hands-on experience in project management and construction for civil and structural engineering projects in BC, Alberta and the Northwest Territories. He is the principal engineer for 9dot Engineering Inc. with a proven track record for seeking new solutions to old problems by looking at the big picture and “keeping things simple”.
Steven excels at listening to clients needs and coming up with designs that suit them while considering their goals, budgets and other constraints. Steven has extensive experience working in remote areas and understands the sensitivities of small communities. He brings a range of professional expertise to all projects including the design and construction of civil water systems, such as the Nakusp Water Treatment Plant, and several rural improvement district systems including Ridgewood Road, Nelson Community Co-housing, and Bourke Creek. Steven also specializes in the integration of renewable energy systems into design, such as the Micro Hydro power generator in Nakusp.
Steven has experience in civil and structural Engineering as well as innovative building design and integration of renewable energy systems. He has worked with Aqua Diversities Inc. to develop proprietary water treatment systems, raising the bar for small water treatment systems by offering an affordable price point and proven treatment components.
As a testament to Steven’s entrepreneurship and successful work ethic, he was recently bestowed the prestigious ’40 under 40′ title for rising stars in business. Click here to read more: ST – 40 Under 4
Justine Thielker, A.T.
Senior Drafting & Technical Design Manager
Justine has extensive experience in technical development of community infrastructure, planning and design. Justine is technically adept at drafting, pipe-work design, architectural design, 3D modeling and putting together designs and layouts that are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.
Justine also has experience in construction management and project planning and she excels at providing documentation and oversight in projects from start to finish. Her proven communication and coordination abilities facilitate projects to be completed on time and within budget. Her extensive experience and attention to detail are key to successful project design and implementation. Justine is an integral part of the Aqua team, providing leadership and logistics management wherever needed.
Nicole Ward, BSc. P.Ag.
Environmental Specialist | Project Manager
Nicole is an Environmental Scientist and Professional Agrologist. She has a broad range of experience in environmental policy/ regulation, sustainability, water conservation, environmental stewardship and waste management. With over 20 years experience in the Environmental field, her portfolio is dynamic. Nicole has successfully worked with and for all levels of government, NGO’s, industry, and First Nations in her career. She has held numerous positions on various boards and committees and brings her extensive project management and coordination skills to the Aqua team.
Nicole has a strong background in technical report writing, data analysis, and customer service. She specializes in small and medium-sized water systems, source water protection planning, water conservation and waste reduction programs. Nicole brings a passion for the environment, enthusiasm, diplomacy, and organizational skills to the team.
Wes Shippey, RSE – FSR “B”
Technical Consultant | Field Representative
Wes has over 20 years’ experience in his trade in the residential, commercial, oil and gas industries and supports Aqua’s construction of civil and structural projects throughout Alberta and British Columbia. Wes holds Class B Red Seal Master Electrician certification. Wes brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in renewable energy, programming and instrumentation, commissioning, and the construction industry in general. He plays a crucial role in Aqua’s ability to construct capital upgrades and new custom water treatment systems, including the implementation of PLC/HMI systems.
Brogan Lyster, MSc.
Project Manager | Project Coordinator
Brogan has a broad background knowledge, achieving both a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Professional Science Master’s Degree in Solar Energy Engineering and Commercialization. Brogan worked in the Environmental Consulting Industry in Alberta where he became familiar with pre-development planning, data analysis and environmental impact assessing. Brogan has since gained over 8 years of international project management experience in the construction, renewable energy industry, and water and wastewater industries. Brogan shows great attention to detail when project planning, coordinating with suppliers and organizing logistics, with an ability to meet tight budgets and deadlines in challenging locations.
Forrest Dempster, Level II EOCP
Lead Water & Wastewater Operator | Apprentice Electrician
Forrest is our lead operator and field service representative. As part of our installation and operations team, Forrest brings several years of construction experience to the table. Forrest is now a 4th year apprentice electrician and a certified level II water and wastewater operator. Forrest’s broad experience and in-depth understanding of these trades are showcased by the efficient performance of the Columbia Icefield water and wastewater treatment plants, in which he manages a small team to self-perform standard operational services, regular and emergency maintenance and small capital upgrades. Forrest is also excellent at coordinating subcontractors and has a good working relationship with the many tradespeople who work on Aqua lead projects.
Natascha Behrens, BBA
Financial Administrator
Natascha has an extensive background in business from education in marketing & accounting to working in public practice, for non-profits as well as individuals & corporations. She brings 15 years of experience in administration (payroll, technology, HR, operations) and accounting (book keeping, personal & corporate tax, budgeting, forecasting & planning). Don’t be mistaken, just because she’s so nice you still have to pay the invoices she sends you 🙂