Demand for water treatment chemicals in the U.S. is forecast to rise 3.2% per year to $7.5 billion in 2019, with volume reaching 15.5 billion lb, according to Water Treatment Chemicals, a new study from The Freedonia Group Inc., a Cleveland-based market research firm.
Gains will be supported by increasing water recycling and reuse, processes which typically require more aggressive chemical treatment than fresh supply water or wastewater for disposal. Greater reliance on membranes and other water treatment equipment types that work best when the water has been pretreated with chemicals will further support demand. Additionally, rising water quality standards and environmental concerns will prompt the use of more expensive specialty chemicals that can be used in lower doses and are less hazardous.
Among the major markets for water treatment chemicals, the municipal market will exhibit steady gains, on pace with the increases seen over the previous decade as municipal water usage tends to be relatively stable.
Gains in demand for corrosion and scale inhibitors, foam control agents, coagulants and flocculants, and pH control agents are expected to sustain overall growth in demand for water treatment chemicals. These chemicals are all important for the maintenance of water treatment equipment and other types of equipment that handle water.
“As the use of water treatment equipment expands, these chemicals are expected to see increased demand as users seek to protect their equipment from damage,” said analyst Emily Park.
Gains in biocide demand will continue to be slower than gains in other product categories. In addition to the impact of the rising use of disinfection equipment, growth will also be restrained by changing regulations and public opinion of disinfectants. In the municipal market, disinfection byproduct regulations have led to a decline in biocide use, although some biocides will continue to be necessary to meet residual disinfection requirements. In other markets, increasing standards for process water will also serve to restrain biocide demand, as biocides may be considered contaminants.
Source: The Freedonia Group
