Industry Insights
The North America water & wastewater treatment market size was valued at USD 103.59 billion in 2017 and is expected to be valued at 119.56 billion by the end of 2025. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 1.8% during the forecast period. This is attributed to the onsite water-reuse by various industries, creating a need for better treatment technologies for safe water. Rising need for sustainable practices for greater water reuse, which will help conserve the environment, results in growth of the market. Moreover, demand for safe potable water along with government regulations, such as Safe Drinking Water Act, is expected to drive the market growth over the next few years.
North America water & wastewater treatment market size, by type, 2015 - 2025 (USD Billion)
Furthermore, depletion of fresh water sources is resulting in its growing need for applications like oil and mining, industrial, and several others. Increasing environmental concerns are expected to encourage the adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable practices among market players. The U.S. wastewater treatment industry is more inclined towards cost-effective and sustainable solutions.
This is attributed to the demand-supply imbalance coupled with the funding gap, which is expected to compel the country to find a consistent and sustainable solution. There are more than 16,000 Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) catering to approximately 75% of the U.S. population. These plants treat more than 32 billion gallons of wastewater every day. For instance, Stickney Water Reclamation plant in Chicago is the largest water treatment plant in the world.
The increasing population has given rise to the need for treatment facilities. There are more than 3,700 wastewater treatment plants in Canada. The government is continuously engaged in activities to increase the investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure. For instance, the Canadian government estimated an investment of C$ 13 billion by 2020 in the modernization of treatment facilities.
Segmentation by Type
• Chemicals
• Treatment Technologies
• Equipment & Services
Equipment and services segment is the largest segment in the North America water and wastewater treatment market and was valued at USD 82.74 billion in 2017. The market is anticipated to register a CAGR of 1.7% over the forecast period due to the increasing water intensive gas exploration and demand for reusable industrial water. In 2017, chemicals accounted for 4.15% of the overall market share and is anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment type with a CAGR of 4% over the forecast period.
Different chemicals are used in the industrial and municipal applications. Some products are inorganic and organic coagulants, flocculants, sludge conditioners, neutralization, Aries magnesium hydroxide, heavy metal precipitants, defoamers, filter aids, activated carbon and organoclay, odor control agents, cleaners, and oxidizing and reducing agents.
Segmentation by End Use
• Municipal
• By U.S. Cities
• Industrial
Municipal was the largest end-use segment in 2017 accounting for USD 65.34 billion of the overall market size. It is likely to expand further at a CAGR of 1.9 % over the projection period. Rising consumption of reclaimed water is expected to boost the market growth for municipal segment by 2025. Owing to the increasing need for fresh drinking water, the U.S. government is planning to invest in developing the existing infrastructure over the next five years. Approximately USD 500 billion to USD 550 billion is expected to be invested to repair or replace the deteriorating pipes and sewer overflows.
U.S. consumes more than 40 billion gallons of water per day, out of which, more than 75% originates from lakes, rivers, oceans, and reservoirs. The remaining is obtained from groundwater resources. There are 51,356 community systems that provide potable water, out of which, 8,674 systems serve 92% of the population. Small systems, which serve remaining 8% of the population, lack both financial and economies of scale and managerial and technological advancements.
The industrial application of the North America water & wastewater treatment market was valued at USD 38.25 billion in 2017 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 1.8% over the forecast period. A number of initiatives undertaken by various industries, such as F&B, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemicals, are expected to drive the market over the forecast period. More than 20% of total water usage in the region is from the industrial sector. Continuous optimization in industrial operations is expected to generate potential demand for treated and reused water.
Segmentation by Country
• U.S.
• Canada
The treatment processes require a huge supply of chemicals owing to the presence of many treatment facilities in the region. For instance, U.S. has the largest plants in the world, such as the Detroit Wastewater Treatment Plant, Stickney Water Reclamation Plant, and Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. The advancement in technologies is expected to drive the industry growth in the future.
Rapid industrialization is also expected to result in a greater demand for wastewater treatment facilities owing to stringent government regulations and policies regarding the reuse and disposal of wastewater. In Canada, the chemicals segment is expected to register a CAGR of 2.5% over the forecast period owing to the presence of large treatment facilities. Availability of innovative technologies with sustainable methods and modern equipment are further expected to drive the market in future.
Competitive Landscape
Desalinated water is gaining popularity as an alternative to groundwater. Innovative biodegradable chemicals are being launched by manufacturers, which is expected to drive the North America water & wastewater treatment market growth in future. For instance, BASF launched its new product range on desalination and water treatment at Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition in 2016. It launched Zetag ULTRA product line with ultra-high molecular weight powder flocculants with superior sludge dewatering efficiency at a low dose.
Prominent companies, such as Chem Treatment, Inc.; GE Water and Process Technologies; BASF Corporation; Chemours Co.; and Carus Corporation are focusing on innovative solutions along with the customization to meet the industry demands. The equipment and maintenance of treatment plants are costly. Thus, manufacturers are focusing on the cost-effective treatment process by minimizing their carbon footprint.
Most of the major companies have undertaken market strategies, such as R&D for product development and M&A, to strengthen their industry position. For example, EcoChem Bacteria by Biochema offers, safe and highly efficient wastewater treatment solution, which consists of eco-friendly bacteriological products. Another instance includes the acquisition of Lipesa and Aguasin by ChemTreat to enhance product portfolio. Moreover, in May 2017, BASF SE entered in a strategic cooperation with HP Indigo, a leading manufacturer of digital printing press, to develop water-based adhesive solution tailored to HP Indigo’s requirements.
