With 607 projects in the pipeline, U.S. water reuse capacity to increase 58% in next ten years 

Led by California and Florida, water reuse (the process of recycling wastewater) is taking off in states facing drought and scarcity. Municipal wastewater reuse capacity is expected to increase 58% from 2016 through 2026, according to new market forecasts from Bluefield Research — based on a database of 607 currently planned reuse projects. CAPEX investment in reuse is expected to total US $11 billion between 2016 and 2026.

“Water scarcity continues to be the primary driver for water reuse implementation – the scaling roster of projects demonstrated in our semi-annual review highlights wider adoption by utilities going forward,” according to Erin Bonney Casey, Senior Analyst for Bluefield Research.

California and Florida account for 36% and 26% of currently planned reuse capacity additions, respectively. Florida has the most installed reuse capacity to date with 6.3 million m³/d because of its long commitment to reuse to improve water quality and guarantee adequate supply for a growing population, according to Bluefield’s analysis.

“California is proving to be the greatest opportunity for reuse market growth, backed by US$4.3 billion of planned activity, an improving regulatory environment, and its well-documented drought,” says Bonney Casey. “So far projects have taken years to develop, but given the recent supply concerns, we anticipate a more streamlined process going forward, particularly for potable applications.”

Four states — Florida, California, Colorado, and Texas — make up 581, or 95%, of planned reuse projects in the US. Colorado released its first state-wide water plan in November 2015, outlining 51 planned reuse projects. Potable reuse projects- direct and indirect- are also gaining momentum with 2.6 million m³/d in capacity additions accounting for US$2.9 billion investment in advanced treatment technology solutions.

“We expect the reuse pipeline to continue to grow as states continue to face drought conditions.  Longer-term water planning cycles and regulation standardizing projects demonstrate greater support for the expansion of reuse systems, and contribute to the growing pipeline of planned projects,” adds Bonney Casey. 

View the full press release on Bluefield’s website here.

About our Forecasts

Bluefield’s forecast is founded on a proprietary dataset of over 607 municipal reuse projects in various stages of development across the U.S. This database is updated regularly as projects are added to the pipeline and move through different phases of development. The above findings are from our latest update: US Municipal Wastewater Reuse Update: Project Pipeline and Market Forecast, 2016-2026.

About Bluefield Research

Bluefield Research provides data, analysis and insights on global water markets. Executives rely on our water experts to validate their assumptions, address critical questions, and strengthen strategic planning processes. Bluefield works with key decision-makers at municipal utilities, engineering, procurement, & construction firms, technology and equipment suppliers, and investment firms. Learn more at www.bluefieldresearch.com.