Global Water Utilities Industry: Value Chain Analysis

Overview 

The global water utilities industry can be split into four distinct stages: water treatment, transmission, utility companies, and end users. End users in this industry are largely independent but utility companies are often fully integrated across the first three stages. 

Water Treatment: The water treatment stage transforms water from natural and man-made water sources into a clean and fit for use resource. 

Transmission: The transmission stage is split between those that control the water network and those that supply the infrastructure. 

Utility Companies: Utility companies are either specialized in the water/sewerage segment, or part of mixed utility companies. 

End Users: A water supply is essential to every home and business and some companies need water to produce their products. 

Table of Contents   

• Complete Value Chain: Overview  
• Complete Value Chain: Overview (cont’d)  
• Water Treatment: Overview  
• Water Treatment: Analysis  
• Water Treatment: Burning Issue – Graphene Oxide Membranes  
• Transmission: Overview  
• Transmission: Analysis  
• Transmission: Burning Issue – Internet of Things  
• Utility Companies: Overview  
• Utility Companies: Analysis  
• Utility Companies: Burning Issue - quality of water and water infrastructure  
• End Users: Overview  
• End Users: Analysis  
• End Users: Burning Issue – Water use in agriculture 

FAQ’s 

What is the burning issue at end-user stage? 

Agricultural production around the world relies on water as a critical input, meaning that water plays a significant role in food security. On average, irrigated agriculture accounts for 40% of all food produced globally. This will require a significant improvement in water use efficiency within agricultural production, the report contains detailed discussion on the topic. 

Where utility companies should setup their plants? 

New entrants are more likely to appear in developing countries where access to water utilities is not yet universal. Lucrative opportunities currently exist in the Middle Eastern and Latin America markets, where private sector investment in water utilities is being encouraged through changes in regulation, further information can be found inside the report.