Aquamarine Water Solutions

Diane MacDonald-Mackenzie spoke with Doug Smith and Melinda d'Antuono

Doug Smith and Melinda D'Antuono, co-founders of Aquamarine Water Solutions, have turned their passion for boating into a mission to ensure safe and clean drinking water for the cruising community. As avid sailors, they understand the unique challenges of maintaining potable water onboard and have developed innovative solutions tailored to meet these needs.

“Water is the lifeblood of any voyage,” Doug shared. “Without it, adventures turn into challenges. We wanted to ensure that fellow travelers can focus on the joy of their journey, not the stress of water quality.”

How did you start your business?

Doug and Melinda’s story is rooted in personal experience. Like many cruisers, they encountered the frustration of managing their on-board freshwater system. Doug recalls struggling to find a reliable, cost-effective solution to clean and maintain the freshwater on their boat so they could shower, brush their teeth and even drink the water with confidence!  After researching solutions, they discovered a distinct lack of products specifically designed for boaters’ needs.

“We realized the cruising lifestyle demands reliable strategies,” Doug explained. “So, we set out to source best-in-class solutions that were effective, easy to use, and perfect for life on the water.”

Putting their heads together, along with a bit of luck and tenacity, they sourced products focused on water purification and system maintenance. In 2020, they launched Aquamarine Water Solutions to address this critical need for the cruising and RV communities. Their initial product line was met with enthusiasm from the community, giving them the confidence to expand their offerings and refine their solutions.

“We started small,” Melinda recalled. “But every step of the way, feedback from fellow boaters helped us grow and evolve. It’s been a collaborative journey with the cruising community.”

Why is this important to you?

Access to clean drinking water is essential for health and well-being, especially for those traveling off-grid. Melinda highlighted that their mission is driven by a desire to help fellow adventurers feel safe and confident during their journeys.

“Clean water isn’t just about hydration—it’s about protecting your health while exploring the world,” she shared. “We’ve heard stories of cruisers getting sick from contaminated water, and we want to prevent that.”

Doug added, “For us, this is personal. When you’re out at sea, you depend on your systems. We want clean water to be a certainty, not a question.”

They are also deeply passionate about sustainability. By promoting onboard purification systems, they aim to reduce the reliance on single-use plastics. “Every refilled tank represents dozens of plastic bottles that don’t end up in our oceans,” Doug said.

Tell us about your products

Aquamarine Water Solutions offers a range of products designed for the unique needs of cruisers and RVers. Each item reflects Doug and Melinda’s commitment to safety, reliability, and ease of use:

- Complete Kit: This all-in-one kit includes Aquatabs water purification tablets, Sensafe test strips, a flow meter, and more—everything needed to maintain safe and fresh drinking water systems. It’s perfect for newcomers to cruising or those looking for a comprehensive solution.

- Aquatabs: EPA-registered and NSF-certified, these tablets kill harmful microorganisms in as little as 30 minutes, making them ideal for treating onboard water. Compact and lightweight, they’re a must-have for every cruiser.

- Shock - Biofilm Eliminator: A powerful cleaning agent that removes biofilm and odors from tanks and plumbing systems, ensuring fresh water storage. “Think of it as spring cleaning for your water system,” Melinda joked.

- Osmo Seal: A lifesaving product for emergencies, this innovative solution uses forward osmosis to transform saltwater into drinkable fluid, perfect for “ditch bags.” It’s been praised by survival experts and cruising veterans alike.

Doug and Melinda are continually working on new innovations. “We’re always listening to our customers,” Melinda said. “Their needs inspire our next products.”

How do they benefit the cruising community?

Aquamarine’s products simplify water management and enhance safety for boaters, addressing challenges that cruisers commonly face.

- Health and Safety: Their purification systems ensure water is free from harmful pathogens, protecting users from waterborne illnesses. “Waterborne diseases can ruin a trip. Our products prevent that,” Melinda noted.

- Convenience: The Complete Kit provides an easy, all-in-one solution for maintaining water systems, saving time and effort. “We’re simplifying the process so you can focus on enjoying the voyage,” Doug said.

- Reliability: By only selecting best-in-class products with long shelf lives, their products deliver consistent performance.

- Emergency Preparedness: Products like Osmo Seal equip cruisers for unpredictable situations, ensuring access to safe water when it’s needed most. “It’s peace of mind in a pouch,” Doug added.

- Sustainability: By reducing dependence on single-use plastics, their solutions contribute to healthier oceans. “We’re passionate about preserving the waters we all love to explore,” Melinda said.

Closing Thoughts

Through their innovative products and dedication to the cruising community, Doug Smith and Melinda D'Antuono have made clean water accessible for adventurers worldwide. Aquamarine Water Solutions continues to grow, driven by their mission to empower boaters and RVers to explore confidently and sustainably.

“We’re not just selling products,” Doug concluded. “We’re supporting a community and a lifestyle that we’re proud to be part of.”

Whether you’re preparing for your first voyage or your hundredth, Aquamarine Water Solutions ensures that clean, safe water is always within reach.

[email protected]
https://aquamarinewatersolutions.com