US demand to exceed $4 billion in 2005
While concern about the safety of the water supply may be at an all-time
high, demand for water management chemicals in the US is projected to grow
modestly in volume terms. Comparatively flat water usage rates will inhibit
demand for treatment chemicals, although chemical usage on a per gallon basis is
expected to rise.
In value terms, demand will rise much more substantially, exceeding $4
billion in 2005. Increased use of recycled water -- which generally requires
more aggressive treatment -- in industrial applications will necessitate the use
of higher-value products that offer stronger performance characteristics.
Concerns about safety of water supply & environment fuel demand
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 and the movie Erin Brockovich have alerted the public to the risks
associated with industrial waste in the water supply. Reports of antibiotic and
pharmaceutical contamination, and the renewed threat of bioterrorist attacks
have intensified public concern.
Environmental concerns will have a mixed effect on water management chemical
demand. The provisions of the Clean Water Act and other legislation have favored
the use of replacements for traditional, low-cost commodities such as chlorine
and sulfuric acid. However, these same regulations have also served to foster
greater use of nonchemical approaches to water treatment, such as ozonation and
ultraviolet irradiation.
Product highlights ?
Corrosion inhibitors and filter media will offer solid growth opportunities,
while fluoridation chemicals and low-cost softeners and pH adjusters will post
slower growth. ?
Hydrogen peroxide and derivatives of bromine and chlorine will heighten their
market presence at the expense of elemental chlorine. ?
Polyacrylamides will post strong advances, while alum and other commodity
coagulants and flocculants will lag.
Market highlights ?
Food and beverage processing will see above average growth due in part to
intensified cleaning and disinfection processes. ?
Closed loop systems and greater use of recycled fibers will boost water
management chemical demand in the pulp and paper market. ?
Filter media used to enhance purity and highervalue coagulants designed to
reduce sludge output will post above-average gains in municipal water treatment.
Study coverage Details on these and other findings are available in
the new Freedonia study, Water Management Chemicals, priced at $3700.
This study provides historical data and forecasts to 2005 and 2010 in pounds and
US dollars by product type, application and market. The study also discusses
water use trends and pertinent environmental and regulatory issues, evaluates
market shares, and profiles 41 US industry competitors.
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