Challenges and Opportunity in the U.S. Water Infrastructure Market

Trends in the U.S. infrastructure market are constantly shifting. In today?s market, there is arguably no sector facing a more critical shortfall between demand and investment than the U.S. water market. In a 2013 study, the EPA gave the U.S. water and wastewater infrastructure a subpar ?D? grade. Portions of the water delivery system date back more than 100 years and there are an estimated 240,000 water main breaks each year. Over the next 20 years, the EPA estimates that $384 billion in investment is required to repair and sustain our water system. Similarly, wastewater infrastructure requires an estimated $300 billion in investment, with the majority needed to fix and expand pipes to reduce leaks and sewer overflows accounting for 900 billion gallons of untreated sewage being discharged each year.

Projected Market Growth
Since 2010 spending in this market has declined due to municipal budget challenges and a lack of federal government emphasis. In addition, capital expenditure in the U.S. water and wastewater market slowed significantly in 2013 while municipalities continued to deal with budget uncertainties.