To many, the word “science” conjures up images of test tubes and top-secret laboratories. In other words, science is not often thought of as an industry that leaves its closed doors to go out into the community. But, Bob Lantis is changing that. As a scientist and researcher on the technological side of water treatment, he has seen the growing number of societal issues directly related to water. So, he recently moved from being only a water treatment scientist to a water safety activist. He opened up his own water treatment business, AquaSolix, which he hopes will provide the financial means to help him leave the lab and affect change in third world countries and here at home.

Briefly describe the purpose and process of your work. In other words, what are some of the main goals of your company and your research and developments?
My first intention with AquaSolix is for it to be a vehicle for financial success so that I can then use my own gains from newly created water treatment resources and plow them into an essentially social entrepreneur venture. This will be one with a mission to enable access to safe water for all who lack it, no matter where or how they live. This will be a very simple, direct solar hybrid form of water treatment, and the units that provide this will be locally built with primarily local materials. The manufacturing, sales and distribution will be entirely a grassroots, local venture; we will supply the innovations, know-how and support, but the locals will own and benefit from these enterprises.

What are some accomplishments in your work so far of which you’re most proud?
Our earliest accomplishments have brought not so much pride as gratitude, primarily because of the strong confirmation that we are in-sync and headed in a good direction. An amazing amount of support and resources have transpired. We are hoping that more like-minded people will learn of our efforts so that we can collaborate on our respective visions and missions.

How do you see Asheville and the surrounding areas making an impact across the globe?
I chose to bring my company to Asheville because of the unique depth and breadth of an aware community of folks who embrace self, as well as societal, actualization. There is a growing “critical mass” of participants from all walks of life that are making it happen, right here and right now. I could go on and on about this, but the end result is simple: Our civilization and its only home, our Earth, is fast approaching the tipping point of global catastrophe, and our WNC mountain community is now, and will increasingly so, make major contributions towards bringing all of our world into an entirely new age.

Where is your favorite local spot to unwind?
Being new residents of the Asheville region, my wife, Nina, and I have begun discovering a few of the amazing natural wonders with which we are blessed. Hikes in the mountains have been most gratifying.

What has impacted you the most on your journeys to developing nations where access to clean water is a big issue?
My travels have impressed upon me the large schism that exists among various living standards. Today, our entire civilization stands awkwardly with one Gucci-adorned foot upon solid ground and the other, a bare foot, in quicksand: the “haves” and the “have-nots.”

For more information on Bob’s company and mission, visit www.AquaSolix.com or email bob@AquaSolix.com.

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