Rafael Vázquez-Burney

Rafael works with clients to develop innovative nature-based solutions that improve water quality, expand water reuse opportunities and strengthen long-term water resource resilience. With 20 years of experience, he’s internationally recognized for advancing treatment wetlands and other nature-based systems that address nutrients, PFAS, micropollutants and contaminants associated with municipal, industrial and mining applications.  

Rafael has led multidisciplinary teams in the planning, design and implementation of award-winning projects that integrate water reuse, groundwater recharge, ecosystem restoration and community benefits. His work spans North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand and includes pioneering approaches that combine natural treatment processes with advanced engineering to support clients to meet regulatory requirements while maximizing environmental value. He's also the creator of a performance modeling platform used to support the design of natural treatment systems worldwide. Through technical leadership, innovation and thought leadership, Rafael guides clients to transform water management challenges into sustainable, resilient solutions.