• About
  • Our Story
Our Story

the story behind CRB Water

Built on one mission: keeping critical water systems safe, efficient, and reliable.
Our Mission

The story behind one of North America’s fastest-growing water treatment partners

CRB Water was built on one mission: to keep critical water systems safe, efficient, and reliable. We do it by building relationships, not just programs, so our people become an extension of your team. From the start, we’ve combined chemistry, biology, customized automation, and responsive service to prevent downtime and keep your operations running confidently.


See how our story shapes the way we support you.

How our roots shape your results

Rooted in chemistry and biology, powered by partnership

CRB Water began in 1987 as Chemtron, focused on specialty chemical products for industrial water treatment. Ten years later, Riverbend Labs was established, bringing complementary and unmatched expertise in biological wastewater treatment and anaerobic digestion. 

When the two combined, a unique partnership of chemistry, biology, and automation took shape. It was the start of a partnership model built on collaboration and trust.

From day one, our approach has been customer focused, hands-on and people-first. Instead of dropping off chemicals and walking away, we’ve embedded experts who work side by side with customers to solve water, biological, and automation challenges in real time. That commitment continues today.

Before partnering with AEA Investors in 2023, CRB Water operated as an employee-owned ESOP company, an ownership structure that shaped our culture of accountability and long-term partnership. Today, employees continue to hold a large stake in the company’s continued growth and future. That ownership mindset drives every decision, deepening our commitment to our clients’ results, reliability, and ultimate success.

Because CRB Water grew from both science and relationships, we offer deeper expertise, faster response, and the confidence that your systems stay reliable, compliant, and always running.

The power of our partnerships

Expanding our expertise through acquisition

CRB Water’s growth has always been about more than scale. Every acquisition expanded our expertise and strengthened our ability to keep your systems safe, efficient, and compliant while delivering the local responsiveness and uptime focus that define us.

Design Controls

Acquired 2024 – Brought new strength in automation and high-purity equipment. Design Controls expanded our ability to deliver monitoring systems, reverse osmosis, and custom-engineered, automated water treatment solutions.

Premier Water

Acquired 2024 – Expanded our footprint across Florida and the Southeast. Premier Water brought decades of regional expertise in water safety and compliance, giving customers faster delivery and local service backed by CRB Water’s national resources.

Browne Labs

Acquired 2024 – Expanded our footprint, added analytical testing and laboratory capabilities that enhanced system insight, performance monitoring, and regulatory support.

Precision Chemical

Acquired 2024 – Extended coverage across the Midwest. Precision Chemical added regional infrastructure and strong local capabilities, improving service reliability and delivery speed.

Southeastern Labs

Acquired 2024 – Expanded CRB Water’s reach across the Southeast. Their addition further strengthened our regional presence and added complementary expertise in sustainable cooling water treatment, data center applications, pharmaceutical facilities, and customized flocculant solutions.

National reach, local support.

Our growth isn’t just about coverage. It’s about connections. Each partnership brings together teams who share the same values: putting customers first, responding quickly, and building lasting relationships based on trust. Their people-first mindset and technical excellence strengthen our ability to deliver the responsive service, reliability, and uptime protection your operations depend on.

Our Journey

The journey to becoming CRB Water

From a regional water treatment provider to a national partner, CRB Water continues to build on its legacy, helping the industries our communities rely on run safer, smarter, and more sustainably.

2025
2024
2023
2018
1997
1987

CRB Water Rebrand

Chemtron Riverbend becomes CRB Water, a unified national brand built to deliver uptime, safety, and sustainability at scale.

Strategic Acquisitions

Design Controls, Premier Water, Browne Labs, Precision Chemical, and Southeastern Labs join the CRB Water family, expanding reach and expertise.

AEA Investors Acquisition

AEA Investors acquires Chemtron Riverbend, fueling resources and investment for accelerated national growth.

Chemtron Riverbend Established

Chemtron and Riverbend officially unite under one name, blending chemical and biological strengths into a single service model.

Riverbend Labs Launches

Riverbend Labs expands the business into biological wastewater expertise, with a focus on anaerobic digestion and scientific problem-solving.

Chemtron was Founded

Chemtron begins as a specialty water treatment company, serving industrial clients with reliable chemistries and responsive service.

A simple plan to protect your uptime

step 01

Talk to an expert

Connect with a water treatment expert who understands your industry, your systems, and the risks you face. Share your goals and challenges, and get expert insights from day one.
step 02

Get a custom program

Receive a treatment plan tailored to your facility, combining the right chemistry, equipment, and monitoring to keep your operations safe, efficient, and compliant.
step 03

Keep running with confidence

Stay ahead with fast delivery, proactive reporting, and continuous optimization. Your systems run reliably and disruption-free, while you focus on running your business.

Talk to a CRB Water expert today

Your facility can’t afford unplanned shutdowns or compliance risks. Partner with CRB Water to keep your systems running safely and efficiently.