Advanced Technologies for Municipal Water Treatment

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), all 50 states and Puerto Rico invested almost $9.5 billion in drinking water improvements from 1996 to 2005. In their 2005 annual report, the U.S.-based Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA) reported market growth in the industry of at least 5%, with 78% of WWEMA manufacturers seeing and projecting 10% growth. These increases are primarily in the domestic market with international sales, as a whole, remaining fairly flat.

The majority of expenditures for water treatment are for conventional water equipment and chemicals. However, an ever-growing percentage relates to advanced treatment technologies including membrane filtration, ultraviolet irradiation, ozone disinfection and some novel disinfectant systems.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report contains:

• A thorough examination of the market for four categories of advanced municipal water treatment: membrane filtration, ultraviolet irradiation, ozone disinfection and some novel advanced oxidation processes
• Five-year projections are provided for United States market activity and value through 2011
• A detailed overview that describes the industry, including definitions and past trends
• A technology overview that includes a detailed patent analysis
• Profiles of the major companies in the industry.

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 newsletter Membrane & Separation Technology News.

Growth rates were calculated based on existing and proposed equipment sales for each of the advanced methods during the forecast period. Table 2 presents the average capital cost per gallon of water treated by technology type. These figures then were multiplied by anticipated treatment capacity additions during the survey 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.