Founder of Watermatic explains why climate change is making irrigation solutions even more vital
In conversation with Zac Ribak at Watermatic, he discusses the importance of water solutions in the face of a changing climate.
What is your background?
My roots are in landscaping. I started out in 1990 working for a nursery, which gave me a solid grounding in the industry. After that I took six months to travel the world, and when I came back, I set up my own landscape gardening company.
It was through that work that I started to see a real gap in the market. I’d been exposed to irrigation installation in agriculture and in the residential sector. And when I looked at the UK market, it was almost entirely untapped outside of golf courses and football pitches. That realisation was the turning point that led me to make the transition from landscaping into irrigation, and ultimately to founding Watermatic.
Today, my day-to-day is focused on two things: business development and making sure our managers and team have everything they need to deliver a first-class service.
Why is it so crucial to be thinking about water solutions today?
Over the last 25 years, climate change has put enormous strain on the availability of fresh water, and that’s having a very real impact on the landscape industry. Hosepipe bans, which were once a rare inconvenience, are now becoming an increasingly regular occurrence and that trend is only going to continue.
But sustainable water management goes beyond just irrigation. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) are a hugely important part of the picture too, and I know that’s something many of your readers are already actively working with. The conversation has two sides: it’s not just about how efficiently you’re delivering water to plants, trees and lawns, it’s equally about where that water is coming from in the first place.
One thing I’d highlight for anyone concerned about hosepipe bans is that professionally installing an automated drip irrigation system with a pump and tank a (cat 5) system can remove you from hosepipe ban restrictions altogether. That’s a gamechanger for many of our clients.
The technology today is also remarkable. Modern systems are so advanced that saving water while keeping your garden or landscape thriving is no longer a compromise we genuinely can cater to any type of project, from patios to palaces.
Perhaps most importantly, the perception of irrigation has fundamentally shifted. It used to be seen as a luxury. Today is a must-have. It’s an investment that guarantees the longevity of your planting and landscaping, and one that is more affordable and accessible than ever before.
Tell me about the areas Watermatic has been expanding into
A big part of that growth has come from two areas we’ve been deliberately expanding into. On the residential side, we’ve been increasingly working on super-prime properties and high-end homes where the expectations are high and the irrigation solutions need to match that.
On the commercial side, we’ve been delivering projects across large residential developments in and around London and the Southeast, and we’ve also had the privilege of working on some truly iconic sites – the Tower of London being a recent standout.
What I’m most proud of is our team. Both our office staff and our field engineers are performing at high levels, and I think that comes through in every client interaction. We want every single person who comes into contact with Watermatic to feel that the service they receive is great.
What are some standout projects you’ve worked on?
Two in particular spring to mind. The first is the Children’s Garden at Kew Gardens. Constructed by Ground Control, it is an award-winning project. There were numerous challenges throughout, but one that stands out was the need to design and engineer a bespoke automatic valve system for the underground tank – one that could intelligently open and close in response to water levels after the children had been playing. It was the kind of problem that pushes your knowledge and creativity and finding that solution was something the whole team was proud of.
The second is the Water Gardens near Marble Arch in London, constructed by Bartholomew Landscapes. What made this project extraordinary was that the entire paving area had been constructed as a rainwater harvesting tank, and we were brought into design and install a system to capture and utilise that water. The treatment of the water and the logistics of distributing it across all those areas were challenging but when we saw the finished result, it was breathtaking. Another award-winning project and one I’m proud of.
What does the future hold for the business?
Our plan is built around expanding both our commercial and residential markets across all three of our key service areas design, installation and aftercare while never losing sight of the service quality that have got us to where we are today. Geographically, we’re also looking to push beyond London and the South East.
Technology is a big part of our future too. Irrigation systems are constantly evolving and improving, and we make it our business to stay ahead of that, making sure our customers are always aware of the latest upgrades available to them, so they’re never falling behind.
Underpinning all of this is our people. We continue to invest seriously in our staff through regular training, clear career development, and keeping them fully up to date with the latest irrigation technologies. A business is only as good as its team, and we want ours to be the best in the industry.
As for the wider sector, I’m genuinely excited about where things are heading. Successive governments have committed to building a record number of new properties, and alongside that, Biodiversity Net Gain and the drive to incorporate greenery into the built environment mean that automated irrigation is no longer a luxury it’s a necessity. Quite simply, without smart irrigation systems, a lot of what’s being planned just won’t be deliverable. The future for our industry looks bright.
Where do your interests lie outside of work?
Outside of work I have two real passions that keep me grounded and inspired. The first is sculpting. I create figurative sculptures and I absolutely love it. It’s a world away from irrigation systems but in a way, it scratches the same itch of problem solving, attention to detail, and creating something you’re proud of at the end.
The second is travel. I have a deep love for the world and everything it has to offer – its cultures, its landscapes, its people. They say Phileas Fogg went around the world in 80 days. My goal is rather more ambitious: 80 countries in 80 years! I’m well on my way.
I’m also an ex-competitive Judo player, so keeping fit is very much part of my DNA. You’ll find me in the gym three times a week without fail. And of course, there’s music and food but then again, who doesn’t love that!