Approximately one billion people lack access to reliable water supply and sanitation; massive
investment is needed to expand or replace antiquated or inadequate water delivery systems.
World demand to increase
6.5% yearly through 2016
World demand for water infrastructure
equipment is projected to increase 6.5
percent per year to $101.7 billion in
2016. Advances will result from two key
factors: in developing nations, access to
water supply and sanitation will be
increased; in developed nations, aging
water infrastructure will need repair and
upgrade. For example, many current
water systems across the world have
pipelines over 50 years old, leading to
increased main breaks. These trends will
benefit water infrastructure demand for
all major products such as pipe, pumps,
valves, and meters.
Water supply expansion
to drive gains in less
developed areas
In less developed nations, gains in water
infrastructure equipment demand will be
prompted by expansion of water supply
services, access to which in many
countries remains considerably low. In
the least developed parts of Asia and
Africa, market gains will continue, but
even a robust level of growth will leave
several hundred million people without
access to safe water or even minimal
sanitation facilities. Water infrastructure
construction in developing nations has
been hampered by a lack of funding.
However, government and nongovernmental
organizations are increasing their
focus on the issue of water management,
which will provide opportunities for
equipment suppliers.
Upgrades and repairs to
define developed markets
In most developed markets -- particularly
the US -- gains will result from efforts to
upgrade and repair aging sewer and
water pipe networks. In addition, rising
regulatory standards will also boost
water infrastructure spending. However,
funding will continue to be the key issue
facing the industry. Governments, faced
with budgetary limits, have historically
neglected water infrastructure in favor of
higher profile projects. Water users in
many nations are faced with rising fees,
which will likely continue to rise.
Plastic pipe, meters
to post solid gains
Among products, plastic pipe will post
strong gains through 2016, continuing to
steadily take market share from other
pipe materials. Rising demand for plastic
pipe will be driven by its low cost compared
to metal or concrete. Meters --
particularly smart meters -- will post solid
gains due to suppliers’ attempts to
reduce operational costs and leakage.
Replacement demand for pumps and
valves will benefit from the wear experienced
during the continual operation of
water systems.
Study Scope
This study analyzes the $74.2 billion world water supply equipment industry. It presents historical demand data for the years 2001, 2006 and 2011, and forecasts for 2016 and 2021 by product (e.g., pipe, pumps, valves, meters), application (supply water, wastewater), world region and for 22 major countries.
The study also considers market environment factors, details industry structure, evaluates company market share and profiles 43 industry competitors, including Xylem, Grundfos and Tyco International.
