GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Water Industry Statistics

Water industry statistics provide information on water consumption, production, distribution, and other related metrics to help understand and manage water resources effectively.

Highlights: Water Industry Statistics

  • In 2020, the global water and wastewater treatment market was valued at 265.17 billion USD.
  • The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home.
  • Three quarters of all energy used by water utilities is for operating systems - primarily pumping stations that move water and wastewater.
  • By 2025, it is predicted that two-thirds of the world's population will face water scarcity.
  • Globally, over 80% of the wastewater generated by society flows back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused.
  • Approximately 1.8 billion people are exposed to unsafe drinking water.
  • There will be an estimated 55% increase in global water demand by 2050.
  • Over 147,000 public water systems are providing water to the majority of U.S. population.
  • The average global water footprints: 15400 liters of water per capita per day.
  • The water industry in the U.S. is a multi-billion dollar industry with a value of around $110 Bn.
  • The global bottled water market size was valued at USD 214.13 billion in 2020.
  • The cost of desalinated water, at $1 to $2 per cubic meter, is up to twice the cost of fresh water.
  • An estimated $1 trillion is necessary to maintain and expand service to meet demands over the next 25 years in the U.S.
  • NASA's GRACE satellites showed that large areas of the planet, home to roughly 1.8 billion people, are at risk of running out of ground water.
  • $6.7 billion worth of water is lost annually in the U.S. alone.
  • The UN estimates 30 percent of the world's population resides in a country experiencing water stress.
  • The global water meter market is forecasted to reach a value of 5.9 billion USD by 2027.
  • More than 700 million people worldwide drink water from unprotected sources.

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Table of Contents

The Latest Water Industry Statistics Explained

In 2020, the global water and wastewater treatment market was valued at 265.17 billion USD.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, the global water and wastewater treatment market had a market value of 265.17 billion USD. This figure reflects the total revenue generated from the provision of water and wastewater treatment services and technologies worldwide during that year. The market value highlights the significant economic importance and scale of the water and wastewater treatment industry, which plays a crucial role in ensuring access to clean water, managing wastewater, and protecting public health and the environment. The statistic underscores the growing demand for water and wastewater treatment solutions driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and increasing environmental concerns.

The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home.

The statistic that the average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home indicates the substantial amount of water consumption in household activities such as bathing, cooking, cleaning, and irrigation. This high usage level highlights the necessity of efficient water conservation practices to reduce wastage and promote sustainability. It is noteworthy that water scarcity is a growing global concern, and excessive water usage can strain local water resources, impact ecosystems, and contribute to higher utility bills. Therefore, efforts to raise awareness about responsible water usage, implement water-saving technologies, and adopt mindful habits in daily routines are crucial for ensuring long-term water availability and environmental preservation.

Three quarters of all energy used by water utilities is for operating systems – primarily pumping stations that move water and wastewater.

The statistic indicates that a substantial portion of energy consumption by water utilities is dedicated to the operation of pumping stations that are responsible for moving water and wastewater through the system. Specifically, three quarters of all energy used by these utilities is allocated for this purpose, highlighting the significant role that pumping systems play in the overall energy demand of water utilities. This statistic underscores the importance of optimizing the energy efficiency of pumping stations and exploring strategies to reduce energy consumption in order to improve the sustainability and environmental impact of water utility operations.

By 2025, it is predicted that two-thirds of the world’s population will face water scarcity.

This statistic suggests that by the year 2025, a significant portion of the global population, equivalent to two-thirds, will experience water scarcity. This prediction highlights a pressing and potentially devastating issue concerning the availability and access to clean water for a majority of people worldwide. The implication of such widespread water scarcity could have far-reaching socio-economic and environmental consequences, potentially leading to increased competition over limited water resources, compromised public health, and ecological imbalances. Addressing this impending crisis will require concerted efforts at both local and global levels to improve water management practices, promote conservation measures, and invest in sustainable water infrastructure to ensure a more equitable and secure water future for all.

Globally, over 80% of the wastewater generated by society flows back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused.

The statistic “Globally, over 80% of the wastewater generated by society flows back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused” highlights a significant challenge in environmental management and sustainability. It indicates that the vast majority of wastewater, which contains harmful pollutants and contaminants, is not undergoing proper treatment processes before being discharged back into natural water bodies. This untreated or inadequately treated wastewater can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, public health, and biodiversity. It underscores the urgent need for improved wastewater treatment and management practices to safeguard the environment and protect human health. Efforts towards enhancing wastewater treatment infrastructure and promoting water reuse strategies are crucial for mitigating the negative impacts of untreated wastewater on ecosystems and society.

Approximately 1.8 billion people are exposed to unsafe drinking water.

This statistic indicates that around 1.8 billion individuals worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, which puts them at risk of various waterborne diseases and health issues. Unsafe drinking water can contain harmful pollutants, bacteria, and viruses that can lead to serious illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. The lack of clean drinking water not only impacts people’s health but can also have broader economic and social consequences, as communities struggle with increased healthcare costs, reduced productivity, and poor overall quality of life. Addressing this issue is crucial for improving global public health and wellbeing.

There will be an estimated 55% increase in global water demand by 2050.

The statistic stating that there will be an estimated 55% increase in global water demand by 2050 indicates a significant rise in the amount of water needed to meet the growing demands of the global population and various industries. This projection suggests that water resources will be under increasing pressure in the coming decades, highlighting the urgency for sustainable water management strategies to ensure sufficient supply for human consumption, agriculture, and industrial activities. Factors contributing to this anticipated increase in water demand may include population growth, urbanization, changing consumption patterns, and the impacts of climate change. Addressing this challenge will require coordinated efforts at the global, national, and local levels to promote water conservation, improve infrastructure, and enhance water efficiency practices to secure water availability for future generations.

Over 147,000 public water systems are providing water to the majority of U.S. population.

The statistic suggests that there are over 147,000 public water systems in the United States that are responsible for providing water to the majority of the population. This highlights the extensive infrastructure in place to ensure that a large portion of the U.S. population has access to safe and clean drinking water. It also indicates the significant role that public water systems play in meeting the basic needs of communities across the country. The sheer number of public water systems serving the majority of the population underscores the widespread reliance on these systems and the importance of their effective management and regulation to ensure the availability of high-quality drinking water for all.

The average global water footprints: 15400 liters of water per capita per day.

The statistic “The average global water footprints: 15400 liters of water per capita per day” represents the estimated daily amount of water used by an individual for various activities such as drinking, bathing, cooking, and producing goods and services. This metric encompasses both direct water consumption by individuals as well as indirect water usage embedded in the products and services consumed. The water footprint is a comprehensive measure that accounts for not only personal water consumption but also the water required for the production and supply chain of goods and services. The average of 15400 liters per capita per day highlights the substantial volume of water resources that individuals are indirectly responsible for, indicating the significant impact of human activities on global water usage and sustainability.

The water industry in the U.S. is a multi-billion dollar industry with a value of around $110 Bn.

The statistic indicates that the water industry in the United States is a significant economic sector with a total estimated value of approximately $110 billion. This shows that the industry plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy, encompassing various activities related to the production, distribution, and management of water resources. The multi-billion dollar value reflects the scale and importance of the industry, highlighting the substantial investments, revenues, and expenditures involved in providing clean and safe water for various purposes such as consumption, sanitation, agriculture, and industrial uses. This statistic underscores the significance of the water industry in contributing to economic growth, public health, and environmental sustainability in the United States.

The global bottled water market size was valued at USD 214.13 billion in 2020.

The statistic states that the global bottled water market reached a total value of USD 214.13 billion in the year 2020. This implies the significant scale and economic importance of the bottled water industry on a global level. The high valuation reflects the widespread consumption and demand for bottled water products worldwide, driven by factors such as increasing health consciousness, convenience, and changing lifestyles. The market size indicates the total revenue generated by all bottled water sales during that year, encompassing various types of bottled water products and brands available in the market. This statistic underscores the profitability and growth potential of the bottled water industry as a key player in the beverage sector.

The cost of desalinated water, at $1 to $2 per cubic meter, is up to twice the cost of fresh water.

The statistic states that the cost of desalinated water, typically priced between $1 to $2 per cubic meter, is up to twice as expensive as traditional fresh water sources. This implies that desalinated water production processes are more costly and resource-intensive compared to extracting or treating fresh water. The higher cost of desalinated water can be attributed to the energy required to remove salt from seawater through methods like reverse osmosis, as well as the infrastructure and maintenance costs associated with desalination plants. Therefore, despite the increasing demand for desalinated water due to water scarcity issues, its elevated cost may present economic challenges for widespread adoption and usage.

An estimated $1 trillion is necessary to maintain and expand service to meet demands over the next 25 years in the U.S.

This statistic indicates that an approximate total of $1 trillion in funding is required to sustain and enhance infrastructure services in the United States in order to meet increasing demands over the next 25 years. The figure reflects the significant financial investment needed to improve and modernize various sectors such as transportation, water, energy, and communication systems to accommodate population growth, economic development, and technological advancements. Adequate funding is crucial to ensure that existing infrastructure remains operational and efficient while also enabling the expansion of services to support future needs and maintain the country’s overall competitiveness and quality of life.

NASA’s GRACE satellites showed that large areas of the planet, home to roughly 1.8 billion people, are at risk of running out of ground water.

The statistic that NASA’s GRACE satellites revealed large areas of the planet, which are inhabited by approximately 1.8 billion people, are at risk of running out of groundwater highlights a significant and concerning environmental issue. Groundwater is a vital resource for agriculture, drinking water, and ecosystem health, and its depletion can have serious implications for human populations and the environment. The data provided by the GRACE satellites serves as a crucial warning sign for policymakers, water resource managers, and communities to take urgent action to address water conservation and sustainable management practices to ensure the availability of this essential resource for current and future generations.

$6.7 billion worth of water is lost annually in the U.S. alone.

The statistic indicates that there is an estimated annual loss of $6.7 billion worth of water in the United States due to various factors such as leakage from aging infrastructure, inefficient water management practices, and natural wastage. This large monetary value reflects the economic impact of water loss, including the cost of treating and distributing water that ultimately goes to waste. Such losses not only have financial ramifications but also underscore the significance of sustainable water management practices to ensure the availability and conservation of this vital resource for the future.

The UN estimates 30 percent of the world’s population resides in a country experiencing water stress.

The statistic that the UN estimates 30 percent of the world’s population resides in a country experiencing water stress indicates that a significant portion of the global population is living in areas where the demand for water exceeds the available supply. Water stress can lead to a range of challenges including limited access to clean drinking water, agricultural difficulties, and environmental degradation. This statistic highlights the pressing issue of water scarcity and the need for sustainable water management strategies to ensure that all individuals have access to an adequate and reliable water supply.

The global water meter market is forecasted to reach a value of 5.9 billion USD by 2027.

The statistic indicates that the global water meter market is expected to experience substantial growth and reach a value of 5.9 billion USD by the year 2027. This forecast suggests a positive trend in the demand for water meters worldwide, likely driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, industrial development, and a growing emphasis on water conservation and efficiency. The projected value represents the estimated total revenue generated by the sales of water meters in various regions across the globe by the end of 2027, highlighting the significance of this market segment in supporting sustainable water management practices and infrastructure development.

More than 700 million people worldwide drink water from unprotected sources.

The statistic that more than 700 million people worldwide drink water from unprotected sources suggests a concerning global issue. Drinking water from unprotected sources such as rivers, lakes, and wells without adequate treatment or sanitation measures can significantly increase the risk of waterborne diseases and contamination. This statistic highlights the lack of access to safe and clean drinking water for a significant portion of the global population, emphasizing the urgent need for improved water infrastructure, sanitation practices, and public health interventions to ensure access to safe drinking water for all individuals.

Conclusion

Water industry statistics provide valuable information about the trends, challenges, and opportunities within the sector. By analyzing these data, policymakers, researchers, and businesses can make informed decisions to improve water management practices, enhance sustainability, and ensure access to clean water for all. Understanding the key metrics and trends in the water industry is crucial for addressing emerging issues and developing effective strategies for the future.

References

0. – https://www.www.who.int

1. – https://www.www.epa.gov

2. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

3. – https://www.www.un.org

4. – https://www.www.asce.org

5. – https://www.web.archive.org

6. – https://www.www.jpl.nasa.gov

7. – https://www.markets.businessinsider.com

8. – https://www.money.cnn.com

9. – https://www.www.globenewswire.com

10. – https://www.www.mordorintelligence.com

11. – https://www.www.scientificamerican.com

12. – https://www.earthobservatory.nasa.gov

13. – https://www.www.nationalgeographic.com

14. – https://www.www.cdc.gov

15. – https://www.waterfootprint.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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