General Water SA

About General Water SA

General Water SA is a Brazilian private sanitation company that implements and operates water supply and wastewater treatment systems for corporate clients. Founded in 2000 by Sérgio Pontremolez, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Board, the company was established to address water scarcity and sanitation gaps in Brazil. It has since become a prominent private sanitation firm in the country.

The company's business model is centered on designing, building, and operating custom, on-site water and wastewater systems. General Water assumes all project risks and costs, including implementation, operation, and maintenance. Clients are charged based on the volume of water consumed or treated, a model structured around long-term take-or-pay contracts, typically with an average term of 10 years. This approach provides clients with financial savings and operational autonomy.

General Water's services include drinking water supply systems, industrial water solutions, and domestic or industrial wastewater treatment for discharge or reuse. The company specializes in hydrogeological studies, construction of deep tubular wells, and the operation of water treatment plants tailored to specific client needs. A key area of focus is the production of high-quality reuse water for non-drinking purposes such as cooling systems, irrigation, and industrial processes, which helps clients reduce potable water consumption. The company serves approximately 140 large corporate clients across Brazil.

In 2017, General Water received a significant investment from Lightrock, a global impact investment fund, to support its growth and market consolidation. The company operates with its own drilling rigs, an operational control center with a telemetry system, and an ISO/NBR17.025 accredited laboratory for water quality analysis. The executive team includes CEO Matheus Mazzi, who has a background in private equity, and COO Nataska Schincariol Pontremolez, an environmental engineer with a Master's degree in Hydraulic and Sanitation Engineering.