Advanced Technology for Municipal Water Treatment

Report Highlights

• The U.S. market for advanced drinking water technologies is estimated at $1.3 billion in 2003 and is expected to grow at an average annual rate (AAGR) of 12.3% to $2.4 billion in 2008.
• Together, the five membrane treatments are valued at $983 billion in 2003, with a predicted AAGR of 14% through 2008.
• The market for ozone treatment is estimated at $196 million and is expected to rise at an AAGR of 7.1% during the next five years.
• The small UV disinfection market will rise the fastest over the period, while emerging novel methods will rise at a 6.5% AAGR.
• Government regulation of drinking water contaminants is the most important element in forecasting growth.

INTRODUCTION

STUDY GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

This BCC technical market report provides an in-depth analysis of the market for advanced municipal drinking water treatment. These methods include membrane filtration, ultraviolet irradiation, ozone disinfection and a few emerging novel processes. These so-called advanced technologies are known as "advanced" for their improved effectiveness against a growing range of regulated drinking water contaminants, their decreased production of waste, their non-hazardous properties, their diminished demand for chemical additives, and sometimes their lower energy requirements.

Municipal drinking water treatments, whether physical, biological or chemical processes, range in sophistication from ancient sieving methods to state-of-the-art computer-controlled techniques. Conventional drinking water treatment is accomplished by methods hundreds of years old. Processes consist of one or more of the following: flocculation and sedimentation, in which small particles coagulate into larger ones and settle out of the water stream; rapid sand filtration, to remove remaining particles; and disinfection with chlorine, to kill microbes. None of the traditional technologies will be evaluated in this report except to make comparisons to advanced treatments.

Technical and market drivers are considered in evaluating the current value of the technologies and in forecasting growth and trends over the next 5 years. The conclusions are illustrated with statistical information on markets, applications, industry structure, and dynamics along with technological developments.

REASONS FOR DOING THE STUDY

This report is intended for those who require a thorough analysis of the advanced municipal drinking water treatment industry that traces significant developments and forecasts important trends, quantifies the various market sectors, and profiles companies active in those areas. Because of the fragmented nature of the industry, it is difficult to find studies that gather extensive data from diverse resources and analyze it in the context of a comprehensive document. This report contains a unique collection of information and conclusions that is difficult to find elsewhere.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE STUDY AND FOR WHOM

This comprehensive technical/marketing report aims to provide those interested in investment, acquisition, or expansion into the advanced drinking water treatment market with specific, detailed information crucial to making educated decisions. Senior marketing personnel, venture capitalists, executive planners, research directors, government officials, and suppliers to the membrane industry who want to discover and exploit current or projected market niches should find this report of value. Novice readers who wish to understand how regulations, market pressures, and technology interact in the arena also will find this study worthwhile.

SCOPE AND FORMAT

This report examines the market for four categories of advanced municipal water treatment: membrane filtration, ultraviolet irradiation, ozone disinfection and some novel advanced oxidation processes. 5-year projections are provided for market activity and value. Industry structure, technological trends, pricing considerations, R&D, government regulations, company profiles, and competitive technologies are included in the study.

The report is primarily a study of the U.S. market, but due to the international presence of some industry participants, global activities are included where appropriate.

METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive literature, patent, and Internet search was undertaken and key industry players were queried. News and current developments in the field are evaluated in BCC's monthly newsletters, Water Technology News and Membrane & Separation Technology News.

Growth rates were calculated based on existing and proposed equipment sales during the forecast period. Consumables used in the processes, replacement membranes, UV lamps, etc. were also taken into account. Values are given in U.S. dollars; forecasts are made in constant U.S. dollars, and growth rates are compounded. Calculations for system sales do not include design or engineering costs.

INFORMATION SOURCES

In addition to data from BCC's related monthly newsletters, other information in this report was gleaned from many different sources. SEC filings, annual reports, patent literature, , scientific and industry journals, government reports, census information, conference literature, patent documents, online resources, and industry participants have all been researched.

AUTHOR'S CREDENTIALS

Ms. Hanft is the editor of BCC's Membrane & Separation Technology News and reports on membranes, membrane-based devices, separations and water treatment. She has worked with BCC for more than 6 years.