With a PhD in Chemistry and a passion for innovation, Purvi has spent the past seven years building a career in the water industry. Currently serving as Client and Partnerships Manager at Adasa, her focus is on strengthening partnerships within the water industry, elevating Adasa’s presence across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, and driving strategic growth through smart-water technologies. She is deeply committed to supporting customers with evidence-driven solutions, enhancing digital adoption, and fostering collaboration across the sector through active involvement in industry associations.
How long have you been working in the water industry and how did you start (the role and organisation)?
I’ve been in the water industry for around seven years. I first entered the sector at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where I started working with water customers, and later joined Xylem, then Hach, and most recently have moved to Adasa.
Tell us a bit about your career journey?
I grew up in Kenya and completed my early schooling there before moving to the UK to pursue higher studies in Chemistry. I completed a Master’s degree and went on to complete a PhD at the University of Bath. After spending a couple of years in research labs, I decided to broaden my skills by moving into commercial roles, working across a variety of industries from automotive parts and starch to construction materials and sputtering targets for semiconductors.
In 2016, I moved to Australia with my family and began working as a food scientist with companies such as Austchilli and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks. When my husband took up a role at the University of Queensland, we relocated to Brisbane, where I shifted into business development. I began at ALS, then Thermo Fisher Scientific, which is where I was first introduced to the water sector and I haven’t looked back since.
I’ve now built my career around water, holding roles at Xylem, Hach, and most recently at Adasa as Client and Partnerships Manager. My work is centred on building strong customer relationships, developing strategies, and helping the water industry make faster, more confident decisions through reliable technology and meaningful insights. Alongside this, I remain actively involved with the Australian Water Association, WaterAid, and the Water Industry Operators Association, communities that reinforce the importance of connection and shared purpose in our sector.
I was also recently selected as a scholarship recipient for the Water Leadership Program through the International Water Centre an opportunity I’m incredibly grateful for. I’m looking forward to learning, growing, and bringing a more structured and intentional approach to my leadership so I can better support the industry and its people to thrive.
What ties my journey together is a constant curiosity and willingness to adapt whether that was moving from the lab into commercial roles, shifting across industries and countries, or embracing new challenges that stretched my skills. At every step I’ve sought opportunities to learn, connect people, and create value, and that’s what continues to motivate me in the water sector today.
In your experience, what are some of the most pressing water quality challenges or issues facing the region or industry you work in, and how have you addressed them in your role?
One of the biggest challenges we face in the region is ensuring consistent water quality in the face of ageing infrastructure, skills shortages, and tighter regulatory demands. Many utilities are also under pressure to do more with less balancing budgets while maintaining compliance and community trust.
In my role at Adasa, I work with the water industry across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands to support operational efficiency and faster, more informed decision-making. My focus is on reducing wasted time, avoiding unnecessary costs, and helping utilities move from reactive responses to proactive, data-driven approaches. By improving instrument reliability and strengthening visibility of network conditions, I help operators make confident decisions when they matter most. I also build strong partnerships and contribute to industry progress through my involvement with AWA, WaterAid, and WIOA- supporting a more connected, capable, and resilient water sector.
Any advice for young operators in the industry facing similar challenges?
My advice to young operators is to stay curious and keep learning – the industry is changing quickly, and your willingness to ask questions and seek out knowledge will set you apart. Don’t hesitate to lean on experienced colleagues; when I first moved into the water sector, I found so much value in asking questions and listening to those who had been on the tools for years.
I’d also say take pride in the role you play – operators are on the frontline of protecting public health and the environment, and that responsibility is both important and meaningful.
For me, getting involved in industry networks like WIOA, WaterAid, and AWA not only expanded my knowledge but also gave me a strong sense of belonging. I’d encourage young operators to do the same – building relationships across the industry will give you both confidence and community as you grow in your career.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and guidelines related to water quality reporting and compliance?
I stay up to date by staying close to both the industry and our customers. I regularly attend industry events and conferences through groups like the Australian Water Association and WIOA, which provide great forums to hear how regulations are being applied in practice. I also make a habit of reading regulator media releases and sector updates on platforms like LinkedIn – it’s part of my daily routine.
In my role at Adasa, staying current is essential because we support the water industry with accurate, real-time data and reliable instrumentation that operators depend on every day. By combining formal regulatory and industry updates with insights gathered directly from the field, I ensure our solutions align with compliance needs, operational priorities, and the realities of on-site decision-making. This helps utilities feel confident in their obligations while enabling faster, proactive actions that reduce risk and avoid unnecessary costs.
What’s your favourite part about working in the Australian Water Industry?
My favourite part of working in the Australian water industry is the sense of community. It’s a sector where people genuinely care about the work they do and about supporting each other whether that’s operators on the frontline, contractors, or those of us in service and strategy roles.
I also love the diversity of challenges – no two utilities or regions are the same. One week I might be talking with a small regional council, the next with a large metropolitan utility, and each conversation teaches me something new.
Most of all, I value the purpose behind it. Water is essential to life and being part of an industry that safeguards public health and the environment gives real meaning to the work.
Any advice for young operators entering the water industry?
My advice for young operators is to come in with curiosity and a willingness to learn. The water industry is constantly evolving, and the more you ask questions and seek out knowledge, the more confident and capable you’ll become.
Don’t underestimate the value of industry networks groups like WIOA and AWA are fantastic for meeting peers, sharing experiences, and realising you’re part of a much bigger community. When I first entered the industry, being involved in these networks gave me both knowledge and a sense of belonging.
And finally, take pride in the role you play. Operators are on the frontline of protecting communities and the environment. It’s meaningful work, and your contribution really does make a difference every single day.
About my WIOA membership experience to date:
Yes, I’m a WIOA member, and it’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my industry involvement. What I really value is how operator-focused WIOA is – it provides a platform where the practical voices of the industry are heard and celebrated.
Through my membership I’ve had the chance to attend conferences, interest days, and committee discussions that are very hands-on, knowledge focused and solution driven. It’s also been a great way to connect with operators from all regions of Queensland and beyond, understand their challenges, and share ideas.
For me personally, WIOA has created a real sense of community. It’s not just about professional development it’s about being part of a network that genuinely supports and recognises the people doing the essential day-to-day work in water. It reinforces that no matter your background, education, or the part of the water cycle you work in, we all contribute to sustaining one of the most valuable resources we have.
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