Our humbled beginnings started in 1967 on Hillsborough Road in Durham, North Carolina under the guidance of our Founder Charles Riley, Sr. To ensure quality products with exceptional performance, the focus on product development was selecting high-performance, non-leaching materials of construction and a state-of-the-art DI resin regeneration process. Hydro pioneered the use of high-performance plastics such as UHMW polyethylene, polypropylene, (PVDF) and stainless steel in our Systems. These selections along with premium grade resins and a proprietary resin regeneration process enhanced product water quality by significantly reducing organic, particulate, and bacterial contamination. Hydro began manufacturing an innovative line of turn-key water systems for entire buildings and manufacturing processes, we custom built reverse osmosis and ultra-filtration systems. Hydro soon established sales/service offices in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts and quickly developed a reputation for having quality products and services.
Hydro expanded to a larger facility in 1976 and again in 1981 with a new facility housing corporate offices, manufacturing and new regeneration plant. A fifth division sales/service location was established in New Jersey. Keeping their innovative momentum moving forward, Hydro developed a testing and validation program as a value-added service for our customers. As growth continued, Charles S. Atwater was named President and CEO 1987 and Hydro added sales/service locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts. In 2005, Hydro underwent major renovations to its facilities to modernize its operation and triple its production capacity. At the time, this facility was the largest of its kind in the Eastern United States.
In August 2007, Charles S. Atwater retired from daily leadership but remained as Chairman of the Board. Dave Currin was named President and CEO where he remained until his passing in 2019. Hydro’s reputation propelled the business into design, engineering, and turnkey installation of even larger Systems Microelectronics and Pharmaceutical manufacturing applications. Today, Hydro remains a privately held company and is led by the next generation, Charles S, Atwater, Jr. as CEO. In 2021, Dave Currin (Hydro’s long-time leader) was honored with the dedication of The Richard David Currin Center for Innovation; our newest 40,000 square foot facility with Engineering, Technical Services (I & C, CAD, Document Control), System Fabrication and Integration and UL 508 Panel Shop all under one roof.
We provide service and support to an impressive client list that continues to grow and is expanding across the country. We are Hydro – The Pure Choice.
