Meet Anousch Mathew, P.Eng, MBA

Our General Manager puts in the work to keep Nexom a well-oiled machine – it’s Anousch!

Q: How long have you worked for Nexom?  

A: I have worked for Nexom for approximately three years. 

Q: How did you get to the position you are in now? 

A: I’ve had extensive experience from industries like aerospace, agriculture, and distribution and gained expertise leading several different functions including engineering, supply chain, operations, and project management.  The transferable skills gained from over two decades of increasing management experience in large corporations has facilitated the transition into this General Management position.  My education, engineering degree with an MBA, and work experience provide a good balance between the leadership, technical and financial skills required to lead a company. 

Q: What is your favorite part about Nexom and our technologies to talk about and why? 

A: There is so much to be excited about in terms of Nexom and its technologies.  Nexom excels in cold-weather wastewater treatment, ensuring reliable nitrification and denitrification even in low temperatures. This is crucial for municipalities and industries in northern regions where traditional systems struggle.  Nexom’s innovation in biological processes makes wastewater treatment more sustainable and effective year-round. 

Technologies like OptAER®, Blue PRO®, and SAGR® (Submerged Attached Growth Reactor) are impressive for their efficiency in phosphorus removal and carbon management.  These solutions provide a low-energy, cost-effective way to meet strict environmental regulations without requiring major infrastructure overhauls. 

Nexom’s technologies are also modular, allowing treatment plants to scale up easily.  It supports small and medium-sized communities that need affordable wastewater treatment solutions, making clean water access more equitable.  Many of our technologies prioritize low energy operation, reducing both carbon emissions and operating costs.  This, aligned with the global push for sustainable infrastructure helps facilities achieve net-zero goals in wastewater management. 

Q: What do you wish others in the wastewater industry understood that isn’t talked about enough? 

A: The wastewater industry is critical to public health and environmental sustainability, yet some important topics don’t get enough attention. Here are a few things that deserve more discussion: 

1. Aging Infrastructure is a Ticking Time Bomb

Many wastewater systems are decades old and require significant investment. Too often, upgrades are postponed until a failure occurs, leading to costly emergency repairs rather than proactive maintenance. 

2. Public Perception & Funding Challenges

Wastewater treatment is often “out of sight, out of mind,” leading to underfunding and lack of public support for necessary rate increases. Education on the value of clean water and infrastructure investment is critical. 

3. Emerging Contaminants Are a Growing Threat

Pharmaceuticals, PFAS (“forever chemicals”), and microplastics are showing up in wastewater, but treatment plants aren’t always equipped to remove them effectively. Regulations are evolving, but more research and investment are needed. 

Q: What about Nexom or your contributions here are you most proud of and want to mention?

A: Nexom has been actively supporting Indigenous and First Nations communities with wastewater treatment solutions tailored to the unique challenges these communities face.  Our efforts focus on providing sustainable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective treatment systems that can handle extreme cold climates and remote locations. These projects demonstrate Nexom’s commitment to helping Indigenous communities overcome wastewater treatment challenges while ensuring environmental protection and long-term sustainability.