Turbidity  is the measure of the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by tiny suspended particles, and it is a key indicator of water cleanliness. The current handheld turbidity meter—using sample vials, requiring wiping before every measurement for accuracy, and a bit too heavy to comfortably hold—is undeniably an 'industrial' tool , despite its 'portable' label. The barrier is simply too high for the average consumer to easily check drinking water quality at home. Why hasn't the miniature 'pen-type turbidity meter' , which you simply dip into the water like a common pH or TDS meter, ever existed? The everyday need of consumers who want to confirm their clean drinking water has always been there. The Strong Need for 'Easy Measurement' in Drinking Water Quality Management The global turbidity meter market is growing at an annual rate of over 6%. Demand for water quality monitoring is steadily increasing, not only in water treatment and industrial sites but also in daily life—for managing home water purifiers, checking tap water quality, and verifying drinking water during camping or international travel. However, the current handheld turbidity meters  on the market are expensive and require precise maintenance, making them inaccessible to the average consumer. Consumers have long wished for a product that is reasonably priced, easy to use without calibration, and reliable. A single, trustworthy device for water quality verification has been the 'dream product' of water management. Technical Obstacles and Reasons for the Absence of the Ultra-Small Pen-Type Turbidity Meter The reason a pen-type turbidity meter  hasn't been developed until now is the extreme difficulty in simultaneously satisfying two values: 'User Convenience' and 'Measurement Precision.' 1. The Dilemma Between Portability and Precision:  Turbidity measures light scattered by particles in the water, which requires an extremely delicate measurement environment. Increased Convenience :  An immersion structure, where the sensor is dipped directly into the water, is the most convenient. However, it is highly susceptible to external light interference and micro-bubbles on the sensor surface, which cause the measurement values to fluctuate easily and precision to drop sharply. Securing Precision :  To maintain precision, a complicated and cumbersome method must be adopted: water must be placed in a separate cell (vial) and illuminated within a sealed space to completely control the measurement environment. In the end, there has been a dilemma: increase 'User Convenience' and you sacrifice precision; insist on precision and the device becomes inconvenient to use. 2. High Price Barrier Due to High-Precision Measurement:  Implementing reliable precision requires sophisticated components and design. This has led to high manufacturing costs for existing industrial turbidity meters  and consumer prices that can reach thousands of dollars, creating an economic barrier that blocks access for the average consumer. Due to these technical and economic challenges, the development of a pen-type turbidity meter  that boasts reliable precision at a reasonable price has been virtually impossible—until now. The Wave Talk's Challenge: Using Semiconductor Sensors to Open a New Path for Water Quality Monitoring To bridge this gap between the market and technology, The Wave Talk recently began discussions with a global partner regarding the feasibility of developing a pen-type turbidity meter . While the product specifications and form are not yet finalized, we are in the initial planning phase, envisioning a device for turbidity measurement  that is "truly easy to take out and use anywhere, requires no other supporting devices, and whose precision can be trusted." In the past, The Wave Talk  achieved a precision breakthrough in the low-turbidity drinking water sector with a small water quality meter called 'WaTalk.' It gained attention in the market for its easy-to-use method and measurement accuracy. However, WaTalk had to be linked to a smartphone app to view the results; the device itself did not display the measurement value. While WaTalk revolutionized the price point, bringing down a device that once cost thousands of dollars to under $300, it could still be a somewhat burdensome price for purely household use. Now, we are aiming to go further with the pen-type turbidity meter . Utilizing The Wave Talk's  unique semiconductor-based sensor technology , we aim for the highest precision while being lighter and more affordable than existing global brands. A New Era for Small, Convenient, Precise Water Quality Monitoring This is an AI-generated image, not an actual product photo. The paradigm of water quality management is shifting. An era is coming where not just experts, but everyone, checks water quality in their daily lives. The reasons why an ultra-small turbidity sensor  combining precision and practicality has not yet been commercialized are clear, but now, the initial discussions have begun. The Wave Talk  seeks to fill this market void with technology. What will the 'True' portable turbidity meter  we envision look like? The Wave Talk is committed to leading the popularization of water quality management through the commercialization of the pen-type turbidity meter.  The day that imagination becomes reality is not far off.

A Real Story Behind a Hollywood Film Erin Brockovich as portrayed by Julia Roberts (left) and the real Erin Brockovich (right) The 2000 film Erin Brockovich , starring Julia Roberts, is far more than just a courtroom drama. It’s based on a true story  — a water contamination case that unfolded in the small town of Hinkley, California. The real Erin Brockovich, still active today, continues her advocacy for environmental justice and citizens’ rights. In the early 1990s, residents of Hinkley used groundwater for drinking every day. The water looked clear and tasted normal. Yet strange illnesses began to spread — cancer, miscarriages, chronic fatigue, and other disorders. No one imagined that the cause might lie in the very water they trusted. Erin Brockovich (2000) Official Trailer Erin Brockovich, then a single mother of three struggling to make ends meet, worked as a temporary clerk at a law firm after losing a car accident case. While organizing paperwork, she discovered an unusual link between property files and medical records. Her curiosity turned into an investigation that uncovered one of the biggest environmental scandals in U.S. history: a corporation had knowingly allowed hexavalent chromium , a toxic carcinogen, to contaminate the town’s water. Despite lacking formal training or credentials, Erin gathered evidence, interviewed residents, and mobilized over 600 people for a class-action lawsuit. Eventually, the company paid a record-breaking $333 million settlement  — all because one woman dared to ask, “What’s wrong with the water?” The Invisible Threat Beneath the Surface In the film, Erin faces an unsettling truth: no one realized there was a problem because the water didn’t look polluted.  The contaminated groundwater remained clear, odorless, and tasteless. Invisible to the naked eye, the danger quietly spread through the community. This story isn’t just about one American town decades ago — it’s a warning that remains deeply relevant today. Around the world, invisible pollutants still contaminate our water sources. The tragedy is the same: by the time people notice something is wrong, it’s often too late. Turbidity: The Hidden Indicator of Water Quality Turbidity is one of the most fundamental indicators of water safety. The World Health Organization (WHO)  sets the maximum allowable turbidity for drinking water at 5 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units)  — but even water that exceeds this limit often looks perfectly clear to the human eye. In other words, “clean-looking” water can still be unsafe. Turbidity levels can spike rapidly due to rainfall, pipeline corrosion, or sudden changes in treatment processes. However, most water quality inspections are periodic, not continuous. This means that short-term contamination events often go undetected , and the water may appear normal even when it’s not. In Hinkley, too, every glass of water looked  normal — until it wasn’t. Modern Water Monitoring Still Has Gaps Today’s water treatment systems are far more advanced, and treatment plants continuously track multiple parameters. But real-time monitoring beyond the plant — through aging pipelines and up to the consumer’s tap — remains a major challenge . Most existing frameworks rely on scheduled sampling and manual reporting. This leaves blind spots between inspections, during which contamination can occur unnoticed. Even when anomalies are detected, administrative processes and reporting delays can mean that action comes too late. Without the vigilance of someone like Erin asking, “Why are so many people getting sick?”, small warning signs might never trigger investigation at all. Trust in Water Must Come from Data, Not Appearance We often assume, “It looks clear, so it must be fine.”  But true water safety cannot be judged by sight or taste. It depends on data  — continuous, reliable, and transparent. Water quality fluctuates constantly, and problems often start long before they become visible. The story of Erin Brockovich  reminds us that vigilance begins with curiosity — with one person daring to question what others take for granted. Because sometimes, saving hundreds of lives starts with a single question: “Is our water really safe?”

A new initiative from Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), the Trusted Tap Project , is drawing attention for reimagining how households engage with the quality of their tap water. Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the project explores a user-centered approach to monitoring water quality at the point of use—right from the tap . Municipal water systems are typically managed based on conditions at the treatment plant. But the journey from the plant to each home is not without risk. Aging water mains, internal building pipes, and external environmental factors can all introduce secondary contamination. Trusted Tap addresses this by analyzing used household water filters to detect harmful substances such as lead, chromium, and PFAS  (so-called "forever chemicals), providing insight into the actual quality of water people consume. This signals more than a technical experiment—it reflects a larger shift in responsibility: from water providers to everyday users . ※ Learn more about the 'Trusted Tap Project' : https://engineering.washu.edu/news/2025/WashUs-Trusted-Tap-will-empower-households-to-monitor-water-quality.html Why Was Turbidity Left Out—and Why It Shouldn’t Be However, this project also has its limitations.Instead of a real-time water quality monitoring system, it operates as a post-analysis approach  — used faucet filters are sent to Washington University for laboratory examination after all the filtered water has been consumed. More importantly, it does not include turbidity (Turbidity)  data, which is a key indicator for detecting early signs of water quality deterioration. Turbidity is not merely about how clear the water appears; it represents the total amount of particulate matter suspended in it. This includes soil, organic matter, bacteria, microplastics, and microorganisms. Because turbidity can capture subtle changes or anomalies in water quality faster than most other parameters, it is considered one of the most fundamental monitoring metrics even at water treatment plants. Nevertheless, measuring turbidity in real time at home has long been a challenge. Conventional turbidity meters are large and expensive, requiring regular cleaning and calibration, making them impractical for household use. As a result, real-time water quality monitoring at the household level has remained an unfilled gap  for years. A Glimpse Into the Future of Household Water Monitoring—Powered by TheWaveTalk TheWaveTalk  has developed a solution that breaks through this long-standing barrier. TheWaveTalk's ultra-compact optical turbidity sensor module  integrates a laser, CMOS camera, image analysis technology into a single custom ASIC chip , achieving high lab-grade sensitivity at a fraction of the cost and size. This compact design allows it to be embedded anywhere—inside water purifiers, taps, or pipes —and once installed, it operates maintenance-free for at least five years , delivering continuous real-time monitoring of turbidity. But it’s more than just a sensor. By syncing data to the cloud, TheWaveTalk's system enables each household’s water data to become part of a larger smart monitoring infrastructure , increasing citywide transparency and enabling faster, more targeted responses to water quality concerns. This is the foundation of our vision: “From Tap to Trust.” Conclusion The Trusted Tap Project exemplifies a growing shift toward user-driven water safety . The.Wave.Talk builds on this momentum with technology that brings real-time, in-home water quality monitoring —including turbidity—into everyday life. Now, anyone can truly know the condition of the water they drink, not just trust it blindly.And that’s the kind of trust only technology can make visible. Reference Leah Shaffer, “WashU’s Trusted Tap will empower households to monitor water quality,”   The Source – WashU  (Sep 22, 2025) source.washu.edusource.washu.edu National Science Foundation, “Trusted Tap – Equitable monitoring of drinking water quality at the household-level using point-of-use filters,”   NSF Convergence Accelerator Track: Future Water Systems  (Award #2452515, 2025) engineering.washu.edu US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “National Primary Drinking Water Regulations – Microorganisms: Turbidity,”   EPA.gov   epa.gov Washington University McKelvey School of Engineering, “WashU’s Trusted Tap will empower households to monitor water quality,”  (News, Sep 17, 2025 ) source.washu.edusource.washu.edu The.Wave.Talk , “AI Deep Learning Sensor-on-a-Chip for Water Quality & Bacteria – Key Features,”   TheWaveTalk.com   thewavetalk.comthewavetalk.comthewavetalk.com

Persistent Water Quality Issues in Schools Across the country, elementary, middle, and high schools continue to face recurring problems of rusty and turbid water, raising serious concerns among students and parents. At one elementary school in Seoul, rusty water was found in drinking fountains due to aging pipelines, forcing students to bring bottled water from home or teachers to install temporary purifiers (Chosun Ilbo, May 13, 2024). In Gyeonggi Province, turbidity levels surged to dozens of times above the acceptable limit immediately after pipe cleaning, causing the suspension of water use (OBS, Jan 6, 2023). A boarding high school in Busan even experienced rusty water from both drinking fountains and showers, forcing students to temporarily leave the dormitory (Kukje Newspaper, May 19, 2025). Despite these incidents, most schools still rely on quarterly inspections or post-incident tests. These cases all point to the same truth: Water quality management that depends on reactive measures after contamination  is no longer sufficient. What’s urgently needed is a monitoring system capable of early detection and immediate response . Why Turbidity? A Practical Starting Point for Early Detection Turbidity represents the concentration of suspended particles in water, but its meaning goes far beyond “water clarity.” It is often the first parameter to react  when issues such as filter degradation, sediment detachment, or external contamination occur. The World Health Organization (WHO)  identifies turbidity as an early-warning indicator  for detecting problems within a multi-barrier approach to safe drinking water (WHO, Review of Turbidity , 2017, p.10). WHO recommends keeping turbidity below 5 NTU  for potable water, while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  requires less than 0.3 NTU  for filtered drinking water. The EPA also notes that increasing turbidity can lead to reduced disinfection efficiency  and greater risk of pathogenic microorganisms . In this sense, turbidity is not merely a “result indicator,” but a signal that reveals the onset of water quality deterioration  — the most practical and sensitive starting point for proactive monitoring. Real-Time Monitoring: Lightweight Systems Fit for Schools School water distribution networks have simple structures and clearly defined zones, making them ideal for lightweight real-time monitoring systems  that integrate small sensors, data communication, and a cloud-based analysis platform. The turbidity data collected by sensors are transmitted to a central system that automatically detects deviations from normal patterns. Any anomaly is immediately sent as an alert to the administrator, minimizing response time. Such a system enables 24-hour autonomous water safety monitoring , even without on-site staff, and provides the data foundation for rapid cause tracing and preventive maintenance. From Schools to Cities: A Scalable Framework A real-time monitoring model proven in schools can be extended to larger water networks in buildings, hospitals, campuses, industrial parks, and urban water systems . Additional parameters such as pH, residual chlorine, and electrical conductivity  can be integrated for comprehensive monitoring across multiple sites. Schools can thus serve as living labs for water security systems , verifying both data reliability and operational efficiency, and providing a practical foundation for future city-wide water safety networks . Turbidity: The Starting Point of Preventive Monitoring Turbidity may not answer every question about water quality, but it is the first signal to reveal when a problem begins .The essence of water safety lies not merely in whether contamination occurs, but in detecting the moment that change starts . Digitalizing school water management is more than a technical trial — it marks a transformative shift from reactive responses to proactive monitoring  across essential public infrastructure. Reference: 1.WHO, Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality , 4th ed. 2.WHO, Review of Turbidity: Information for Regulators and Water Suppliers , WHO/FWC/WSH/17.01, 2017 3.EPA, Turbidity Parameter Factsheet , 2021 4.Huey & Meyer, Turbidity as an Indicator of Water Quality , Water , 2010 5.De Roos et al., Turbidity and GI Illness , Environmental Health Perspectives , 2017 6.Badger Meter, Remote Water Quality Monitoring for Distribution Networks , 2022 7.McDowell et al., Monitoring Water Quality to Meet Policy Objectives , Scientific Reports , 2024

By developing an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit)  that integrates the CMOS camera and MCU —the core components of conventional water quality sensors— THE WAVE TALK  has achieved an unprecedented level of miniaturization. This semiconductor-level integration not only reduces the overall sensor footprint but also enhances stability, signal processing efficiency, and production scalability. In parallel, we designed a custom laser drive circuit  and a miniaturized laser module  to ensure stable optical output and improved performance, even in compact configurations. This allows for high-sensitivity turbidity and bacterial detection  without the need for bulky optical assemblies or frequent maintenance. Thanks to these innovations, our ultra-compact water quality sensor  can now be seamlessly deployed across all water-related touchpoints—from industrial infrastructure such as pipelines and membranes  to smart home appliances  requiring real-time, autonomous water quality monitoring.

Membrane filtration facility at Aewol Water Treatment Plant, Jeju (Reference material, source: Seoul Economic Daily) From Conventional Sedimentation to Advanced Membrane Filtration Traditional sedimentation-based water treatment plants rely on coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration to remove suspended solids and impurities. While this method is simple and well-proven, it requires large land areas, significant chemical usage, and costly sludge management—making it less efficient and sustainable in terms of space and operation. In contrast, membrane filtration  physically separates fine particles, pathogens, and even microplastics using membrane barriers. This advanced process ensures consistent turbidity control and high-quality water output. Compact design and ease of automation make it particularly suitable for urban and small-scale plants. However, membrane systems still face challenges such as high operational costs and energy consumption . In large-scale facilities, varying raw water quality, frequent chemical cleaning, and increased power demand make it difficult to achieve both efficiency and economic feasibility. The Global Shift Toward ‘Smart Operations’ Across the globe, water utilities and industrial plants are moving toward Sustainable Operation  and Smart Maintenance . Rather than focusing solely on new membrane materials, the industry is turning toward data-driven optimization , collecting and analyzing operational data in real time. At the center of this transformation lies precision turbidity monitoring . Turbidity is not just a measure of water clarity; it reflects membrane fouling, cleaning cycles, and overall energy efficiency .To improve reliability, plants must acquire stable, accurate turbidity data that remain unaffected by biofilm, bubbles, or pulsation —while minimizing maintenance. The Solution: High-Precision Turbidity Monitoring In membrane filtration, turbidity changes directly indicate variations in membrane fouling and pump pressure . Real-time precision monitoring therefore plays a critical role in optimizing plant performance. Key benefits include: Optimized cleaning cycles:  Reducing unnecessary chemical cleaning saves both chemical and operational costs. Energy savings:  Early detection of fouling prevents excessive pressure loss. Localized diagnostics:  Vessel-level integrity monitoring enables early anomaly detection. Ultimately, precision turbidity monitoring enhances efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability —the three pillars of successful membrane plant operation. TheWaveTalk Testbed — Data-Driven Operations Begin with Inline Turbidity Monitoring TheWaveTalk  is currently conducting a testbed program at domestic membrane filtration plants using its AI-powered inline turbidity meter  (automatic continuous turbidity measurement system). This initiative goes beyond simple water quality measurement—it aims to demonstrate how real-time data can optimize plant operation by analyzing turbidity behavior before and after membrane cleaning , assessing long-term data stability , and identifying signal variability trends . Testbed Overview Location:  Domestic water treatment plant Focus areas:  Real-time detection accuracy, cleaning response, signal stability In the next phase, TheWaveTalk plans to extend its technology to vessel-level integrity monitoring  by applying miniature turbidity sensor modules to each membrane vessel. This will enable module-level anomaly detection and efficiency tracking , accelerating the digital transformation of water treatment plants . Online Membrane Integerity Monitoring for Every Vessel Conclusion Membrane filtration represents the future of advanced water treatment , but without operational efficiency, it cannot become a truly sustainable solution. By delivering stable and intelligent turbidity data , The.Wave.Talk  is pioneering the digitalization of membrane operations —bridging the gap between advanced purification and sustainable practice. Organizations or partners interested in our membrane turbidity sensor testbed  or technical collaboration  are welcome to connect with us. Together, we can define the next standard of efficient, intelligent water treatment . 📧 Contact us: marketing@thewavetalk.com

In not only water treatment plants but also food and beverage manufacturing, wastewater treatment, and industrial cooling water management , turbidity monitoring plays a critical role in maintaining process quality and operational safety. However, these environments often experience flow fluctuations (pulsation)  and bubble formation  within the pipelines, which can make real-time monitoring challenging. The.Wave.Talk ’s laser-based inline turbidity meter (continuous turbidity analyzer) IQ-50  has demonstrated exceptional measurement stability  even under such demanding conditions, setting a new standard for turbidity management. 1. Pulsation Test – Consistent Measurements Despite Flow Variations KTR Certified Test Results (Pulsation Conditions) In pulsation condition tests jointly conducted with KTR, the IQ-50 maintained highly stable performance , with readings shifting only slightly from 0.031 NTU → 0.036 NTU  and the Relative Standard Deviation (RSD)  staying low at 2.19% → 5.57% . In comparison, conventional turbidity meters  under the same conditions showed significant fluctuations, jumping from 0.021 NTU → 4.144 NTU , with the RSD  surging from 14.31% → 34.96% . These results clearly show that the IQ-50 provides reliable and accurate data , even in environments where flow variations are frequent. 2. Bubble Test – Accurate Monitoring Despite Bubble Interference Jointly tested and validated with KTR In tests replicating environments with bubble interference, the IQ-50 once again demonstrated stability, maintaining readings at 0.040 NTU → 0.045 NTU  and an RSD  of 3.38% → 4.23% . By contrast, conventional turbidity meters  recorded notable instability, rising from 0.020 NTU → 0.077 NTU , with the RSD  jumping from 8.90% → 26.51% . This validates how the IQ-50’s optical signal amplification and multi-scattering analysis technologies  effectively suppress bubble-induced noise to ensure precise, real-time monitoring. 3. Maintenance-Free, Cost-Effective Design The IQ-50 is designed for direct inline installation  without the need for additional components such as constant-flow pumps, tanks, or bubble-removal devices. This design not only reduces installation and operational costs  but also minimizes maintenance burdens , making it an ideal solution for facilities where operational efficiency is critical . 4. Value Across Industrial Applications The IQ-50 is versatile and well-suited for municipal water systems, food and beverage production, wastewater treatment, and industrial cooling water management , where accurate and stable turbidity monitoring  is essential. Real-time, data-driven quality control Process stability and reduced failure rates Predictive maintenance and improved operational efficiency These advantages help organizations build sustainable and efficient water quality management systems  across a wide range of applications. The.Wave.Talk ’s IQ-50  combines advanced technology with proven field performance to deliver unmatched stability and precision , ensuring reliable real-time monitoring  in municipal, industrial, and utility operations — even under the most challenging conditions.

Sensor Technology, Reimagined Meet the world’s smallest and ultra-precise turbidity sensor at Booth #6300, Korea Pavilion The water industry is shifting toward smarter, cleaner, and more autonomous systems — yet sensing technologies remain bulky, maintenance-heavy, and imprecise. At TheWaveTalk, we’ve set out to change that. 👉 Schedule a Meeting At WEFTEC 2025 , we’re unveiling a new standard in turbidity sensing: Ultra-compact  sensor-on-a-chip form factor Tested precision at 10⁻⁴ NTU , now evolving toward 10⁻⁵ NTU Limit of Detection Little-to-no maintenance  —Biofilm-resistant accuracy. ASIC-based architecture  for reliable, scalable deployment Optical speckle pattern analysis  powered by AI for unmatched signal sensitivity Our technology is already being piloted across smart appliances, public water infrastructure, and ultrapure water processes — unlocking new possibilities where traditional sensors fall short. TheWaveTalk has broken this paradigm by developing an ultra-precision turbidity sensor capable of detecting even the slightest changes—down to 0.0001 NTU—in real time.  The way ultrapure water management is done is about to change. 👉 Schedule a Meeting 📍 Visit us at WEFTEC 2025 📅 September 29 – October 1 📌 McCormick Place Convention Center North Building, Booth #6300, Korea Pavilion Let’s explore how TheWaveTalk can help you build smarter water systems — from the home to the most demanding industrial settings. 👉 Schedule a Meeting

TheWaveTalk recently participated in the 2025 Water and Wastewater Advancement Strategy Seminar  (hereafter referred to as the “Water Management Seminar”). The event was filled with the energy of numerous municipal water officials and corporate representatives, matching the heat of the summer weather outside. Since August 2024, TheWaveTalk has been collaborating with Korea Environment Corporation (K-eco) through the Mutual Growth and Performance Sharing Program . As part of this initiative, we installed our inline turbidity monitoring system at the Pyeongchang Waterworks and conducted extensive field testing over six months. During this time, we identified and addressed on-site challenges, fine-tuned our system, and successfully secured stable, reliable data. This effort culminated in April this year with the system obtaining official certification from Korea’s Ministry of Environment. In addition, we achieved national New Excellent Technology (NET)  certification, a testament to the technological excellence of our solution. The Water Management Seminar provided an ideal platform to showcase the successful partnership between K-eco’s extensive expertise and TheWaveTalk’s innovative technologies. Turbidity—an essential parameter indicating water quality—plays a critical role in ensuring the safety of drinking water. But how thoroughly is turbidity being managed with technologies developed in Korea? Regrettably, more than half of the turbidity analyzers currently installed in domestic water treatment plants and municipal water facilities are imported. Even many devices labeled as “domestic” depend heavily on foreign technologies for core functionalities To address this challenge, TheWaveTalk and K-eco set a clear mission: achieving the localization of turbidity analyzers used in Korea’s drinking water production process. This collaboration led to the development of Korea’s first 100% homegrown inline turbidity monitoring system, utilizing patented technology from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). From left: TheWaveTalk Co-CEO Kyungman Cho, Director Gukhyun Nam, K-eco Gangwon Regional Office Head Changwan Choi, and Pyeongchang Waterworks Officer Wongyu Lee This system boasts a localization rate of 94.5% for components (based on material costs) and is the first in Korea to employ a laser light source. The laser-based turbidity analyzer, certified by the Ministry of Environment, marks a breakthrough in the domestic market. Compared to traditional tungsten lamp-based systems, the laser light source extends replacement intervals by more than three times, significantly reducing maintenance requirements. Moreover, the system achieves world-class accuracy while remaining unaffected by biofilm formation, ensuring robust and reliable operation . Notably, its cost is approximately half that of major foreign competitors, as reported on leading industry price information platforms. During the seminar, we were deeply encouraged by the genuine interest and thoughtful discussions from municipal officials who visited TheWaveTalk’s booth. Among them was Changwan Choi, Head of K-eco’s Gangwon Regional Office, who personally stopped by to share insights. With the success achieved at Pyeongchang as a starting point, we are optimistic that The.Wave.Talk ’s inline turbidity monitoring systems will be deployed not only across Gangwon Province but also nationwide, and worldwide—driving the localization of drinking water quality management. Photos from Pyeongchang Waterworks and Mitang Water Treatment Plant showcasing TheWaveTalk’s IQ-50 in operation

A Historic Wave of Water Infrastructure Investment According to Bluefield Research, U.S. municipal capital expenditure (CAPEX) for water and wastewater infrastructure is projected to exceed $515.4 billion by 2035 , growing at a compound annual rate of 4.4%. Driven by deteriorating infrastructure, PFAS-related compliance, shifting demographics, and climate resilience pressures, utilities are entering a pivotal decade of modernization. Notably, over 80% of forecasted investment—$406.4 billion—is earmarked for upgrading existing assets , underlining the urgent need for intelligent asset management. CAPEX Alone Isn’t Enough: OPEX Is the True Sustainability Metric While capital investment is essential, long-term sustainability hinges on reducing operational expenditure (OPEX) . Membrane-based water treatment systems are particularly vulnerable to performance degradation due to biofilm, scaling, and micro-contaminants , leading to frequent cleaning, replacement, and inefficiencies in maintenance cycles. Traditional plant-level monitoring often lacks granularity, delaying response times and increasing costs. Mid-sized utilities—those serving between 25,000 and 100,000 residents—represent a strategic inflection point. With more operational capacity than small systems and greater flexibility than large ones, they are ideally positioned to adopt OPEX-optimized technologies . Precision Membrane Management with Semiconductor-Based Sensors THE WAVE TALK’s semiconductor-based water quality sensors  leverage AI-driven speckle signal analysis to deliver real-time monitoring at the individual membrane vessel level —a transformative shift from centralized monitoring models. This “distributed monitoring” enables: Precise identification of localized fouling (biofilm, scaling, etc.) Predictive cleaning and maintenance scheduling Optimization of CIP cycles to reduce energy and chemical usage Extended membrane life, reducing replacement costs These sensors require no manual calibration  and can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems, supporting both CAPEX and OPEX efficiency. Modular Deployment Aligned to Regional Needs Investment is heavily concentrated in the southern U.S.—particularly Texas and Florida , where suburban expansion and water scarcity drive demand for new facilities. In contrast, smaller states like Connecticut, Washington, and Maine face urgent reinvestment needs due to aging systems and tightening regulations. THE WAVE TALK’s modular sensor platform  allows for rapid deployment in both new builds and retrofits. Designed for scalability, the system empowers mid-sized utilities to achieve immediate and measurable performance gains , regardless of regional constraints. Enabling a Digital Transformation of Utility Operations With delays in federal funding and growing regulatory uncertainty, utilities are increasingly turning to digital transformation  as a hedge against labor costs, system failures, and risk exposure. Our sensor technology enables: Remote diagnostics and monitoring Real-time data acquisition for early detection Automation to support predictive and condition-based maintenance By enabling smarter, data-driven operations, we ensure that CAPEX investments deliver long-term, economically sustainable returns . Now Is the Time to Act The $515 billion wave of investment opens a new era for water infrastructure—but CAPEX without OPEX innovation will fall short. THE WAVE TALK’s semiconductor-based sensor technology  is more than a tool—it's a strategy for maximizing return on investment. Start your journey toward smarter membrane management today. 📩 Request a demo(sample) or technical consultation:   marketing@thewavetalk.com

2025 marks a pivotal year for TheWaveTalk, as we take bold steps beyond Korea and into the global market. Following a highly productive business trip across Europe, our team is now heading directly to the United States to advance strategic discussions with major players in the water industry. During our European visit, we met with partners across both Southern and Northern Europe. These engagements led not only to finalized agreements, but also to technical validation discussions and sample testing for real-world applications. We observed significant interest across sectors such as municipal drinking water, swimming pools, and industrial water treatment. Multiple follow-up meetings and testing phases have already been scheduled. In one case, a globally recognized company advanced from initial contact to investment-level discussions in just four months —a timeline that reflects remarkable agility and reinforces a key insight: Agility is not about company size; it's about mindset. "Meeting someone who has spent over 40 years in one industry and still embraces innovation and collaboration with genuine enthusiasm always makes me reflect—humbly and deeply. It's a reminder that true passion never retires." These encounters remind us that innovation isn't just about new technology, but about people who continue to learn, adapt, and collaborate—regardless of how much experience they already have. Passion, when sustained, becomes vision. 6 Cities, 5 Countries, 1 Mission: Redefining Water Quality at Scale From Seoul  to Spain , France , the Netherlands , Cleveland , Colorado , and San Francisco —this six-city journey across five countries has been more than a business trip. It was a mission to reimagine water infrastructure  through semiconductor-based sensing innovation . At TheWaveTalk, we’re producing little-to-no maintenance turbidity sensors  already in mass deployment and developing next-generation bacteria sensors —engineered specifically for drinking water. Throughout this trip, we engaged with leaders from utilities , dispenser companies , sensor manufacturers , and water tech integrators . Across the board, their challenges were clear: Sensors must survive biofilm , Avoid frequent calibration , And be scalable across diverse water systems. Our solutions are built to meet this challenge—across smart distribution networks , membrane systems , plastic-free dispensers , residential systems , flow meters , and wastewater plants . On the Road with My Advisor, Bryan, in the U.S.—Exploring New Partnerships As part of our U.S. journey, we visited a mid-sized American company that strikes a rare balance between startup agility and industrial depth. Founded in the 1970s, they have grown steadily through strong fundamentals, strategic M&A, and bold expansion. We were impressed by their in-house assembly lines and rigorous quality control processes—hallmarks of serious manufacturing discipline. Their integration of seasoned sensor experts from global companies, while retaining a nimble culture, creates the kind of innovation crucible that we believe in. Conversations with their leadership—including CEO John, Dr. Smith, and domain experts—were both technical and energizing. Explaining deep tech like our maintenance-free turbidity sensor is never simple, but watching curiosity shift into recognition was deeply rewarding. We're especially grateful to Leonard Kieseler and Jessica from OCO Global, and Bryan, President of the Cleveland Water Alliance(CWA) , and Ebie Holst , Director of CWA for thier partnership—not only as advisors, but as co-architects of this strategic expansion. Connecting Global Water Infrastructure Through Sensor Innovation At the core of TheWaveTalk’s offering is a semiconductor-based, all-in-one water quality sensor , powered by AI. Initially focused on turbidity detection, the platform is now expanding into real-time bacterial sensing. It brings meaningful advantages over traditional sensors that rely on costly, maintenance-heavy setups. Key differentiators include: Miniaturized and low-power : Easily embedded in flow meters, UF membranes, and consumer water appliances AI-powered optical analysis : Uses speckle pattern interpretation to deliver high-resolution turbidity readings Minimizes biofilm interference : When used alongside conventional sensors, it helps detect early-stage biofilm buildup by monitoring signal drift and comparing output stability Little to no maintenance : Eliminates frequent cleaning and recalibration while providing predictive insights on fouling and cleaning cycles This innovative platform has been validated by multiple institutions: Certified by the Korean Environmental Corporation (EPA)  for drinking water monitoring Designated as a New Excellent Technology (NET)  by Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy Recognized by CES Innovation Awards  for its breakthrough in real-time sensing We are currently advancing our capabilities to support sub-0.001 NTU turbidity detection  for ultrapure water applications and real-time bacterial detection down to 100 CFU/mL  in drinking water—without the need for sampling or system interruption. From Europe to the U.S.—Built on Trust and Long-Term Partnerships Our progress in Europe—ranging from commercial agreements to pilot deployment and investor interest—has laid a solid foundation for our expansion into North America.We are now continuing this momentum with new meetings, including collaboration with the Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA)  and other innovation-focused stakeholders. Though The.Wave.Talk is still relatively new to the global stage, we’ve started to hear a phrase that means a great deal to us: "I think I’ve heard of you before." That small recognition is a milestone. It reminds us that trust is built not through persuasion, but through persistence. With quiet confidence and focused execution, we are helping define a new standard for real-time, intelligent water quality monitoring around the world.

AI-powered water quality sensor company TheWaveTalk is ramping up its efforts to enter the European market. During the week of May 12, the company will hold a series of strategic meetings with key players in the European water sector in collaboration with global consulting firm OCO Global. These meetings follow strong industry interest in TheWaveTalk’s sensing technology showcased at major exhibitions including IFAT Munich 2024, ACE24, Aquatech 2025, and ISH 2025. Discussions will focus on practical applications in smart water metering, swimming pool and building water management, and drinking and wastewater treatment. The company aims to build strategic partnerships across co-development, technology licensing, and investment cooperation throughout Europe. PipeTalk™: Smart Water Meter Integration on the Agenda A major discussion point will be the European deployment of PipeTalk™ , The.Wave.Talk ’s flagship sensor platform. Based on a semiconductor chip and non-contact optical sensing technology, PipeTalk™ is a next-generation turbidity sensor that can be embedded directly inside pipelines for continuous water quality monitoring. European smart water meter manufacturers are exploring how PipeTalk™ can be integrated into existing AMI/AMR systems to enhance anomaly detection and enable predictive, data-driven maintenance programs. IQ-5N: Designed for Pools and Smart Building Water Systems The IQ-5N  inline turbidity sensor, engineered for swimming pools and reclaimed water systems in smart buildings, will also be a focal point of the meetings. Equipped with auto-cleaning, self-calibration, and high-precision detection capabilities, IQ-5N offers water treatment and building automation firms a reliable way to optimize operational efficiency and maintain stable water quality. WP Series: Real-Time Monitoring for Point-of-Use and Compact Systems The ultra-compact WP-1000  and WP-4000  turbidity sensors are gaining attention in the POU purifier and small-scale water treatment segments. The meetings will explore how these modules can be deployed across decentralized systems in Europe. With real-time particle detection and biofilm monitoring, the WP series supports both maintenance cost reduction and compliance with stringent hygiene regulations—critical for applications aligned with EU drinking water safety standards. Technology Collaboration and Strategic Investment on the Table Beyond technical integration, the visit includes planned discussions around joint development and strategic investment opportunities. One German water equipment manufacturer is evaluating a customized R&D partnership for sensor integration, while a Dutch smart city platform provider is exploring data analytics collaboration with TheWaveTalk's sensing architecture. With this visit, TheWaveTalk aims to scale the adoption of its semiconductor-based water quality sensors across diverse European applications, reinforcing its position as a global technology leader in the smart water industry.