Concerns about water safety and rebound in industrial sector to fuel growth
The safety of water in the US has received a great deal of attention in recent years. Deaths and illnesses caused by E. coli and other waterborne
pathogens, as well as reports of antibiotic and pharmaceutical contamination, have heightened consumer awareness. Also, the threat of bioterrorist
attacks have intensified public concern. These factors, as well as renewed vigor in the industrial sector of the US economy, are expected to drive
demand for water treatment chemicals. Also, increased use of recycled water in industrial applications -- which generally requires more aggressive
treatment -- will necessitate the use of higher-value products that offer stronger performance characteristics. Environmental concerns will have a
mixed effect on water management chemical demand. The provisions of the Clean Water Act and other legislation have generally favored the use of
replacements for traditional, low-cost commodities such as chlorine and sulfuric acid. However, these same regulations have also served to stimulate
greater use of non-chemical approaches to water treatment, such as ozonation and ultraviolet irradiation.
Product Highlights
- Corrosion inhibitors and oxidizers and biocides will remain the major product types in value terms. Coagulants and chelating agents will offer
strong growth opportunities, while fluoridation chemicals and low-cost softeners and pH adjusters will register slower growth.
- ydrogen peroxide, bromine derivatives and chlorine derivatives all increase their market presence at the expense of elemental chlorine.
- Polyacrylamides will register strong advances, while alum and other commodity coagulants and flocculants will lag somewhat.
Market Highlights
- Closed loop systems and greater use of recycled fibers will boost water management chemical demand in the pulp and paper market.
- The metals processing market, among others, will register strong growth as metals production rebounds from a weak 2001 and 2002.
Study Coverage
Specific information about the US water treatment chemicals industry, the various product types and the markets using them are contained in Water Treatment Chemicals, a new Freedonia study. Historical data as well as forecasts to 2007 and 2012 are provided in pounds and dollars by product type, application and
market. This US study also assesses water use trends and significant environmental and regulatory issues, evaluates market share, and profiles over
two dozen industry participants. | 
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