CONSERVATION MARKETS MEMBRANES MICROFILTRATION NANOFILTRATION REUSE REVERSE OSMOSIS WASTEWATER

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Abstract

Water reuse, desalination, and water scarcity are among drivers impacting the future of the water industry. These were among issues addressed by speakers in the 2008 WATER EXECUTIVE Forum held here April 15 and 16. Part 1, which appeared in the September issue of ULTRAPURE WATER, reviewed international business opportunities discussed by some speakers. Part 2 highlights other presentations that examined industry trends and market drivers. Industry Drivers Despite talk of global water shortages, the real issue is that freshwater supplies are only a tiny percentage of the worldﾒs 326 million cubic miles of water, and more than 97% of water is in the oceans, observed Neil Berlant (1), portfolio manager of the PFW Water Fund, which is based in Los Angeles. That reality means extreme pressure is placed on available fresh water supplies. When reviewing water use, Mr. Berlant noted that the two biggest applications (39% each) are irrigation and power generation. After that, other major consumers are public supplies (12%), industry and mining (7%), livestock (1%), domestic (1%), and commercial (1%). Water business growth drivers he noted include deteriorating infrastructure, water shortages, increasing treatment requirements, public fears, stricter regulations, and higher water prices.

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