The Smart Water Networks Market

"Abstract" of a market research report (link).  The price of the report ($4,200) probably says something about the changing economics of the water industry.

"The world’s water systems are under increasing pressure. Water utilities are relying on aging or inadequate infrastructure to meet growing demand, tough environmental targets, and increasing regulatory requirements. At the same time, utilities need to reduce non-revenue water losses and improve their operational efficiency. Smart water networks have an important role to play in addressing these challenges. They are also an intrinsic part of the transition of the water industry to a data-centric business that is able to maximize the benefits of intelligent devices, IT, and communications networks.

Smart water meters are a key component of smart water networks, but other monitoring and control technologies are becoming increasingly important for leak detection, pressure management, and water quality monitoring. The smart water networks market is attracting a wide range of new players and presenting established players with the opportunity to expand their business into new areas. Both sets of players face challenges in an industry that is hungry for change, but also conservative in its operations and restricted in its financial options. Navigant Research forecasts that the global smart water networks market will expand from $1.1 billion in annual revenue in 2013 to more than $3.3 billion in 2022.

This Navigant Research report examines the evolution of the smart water networks market, with a particular focus on drinking water systems. The study provides an analysis of the drivers and barriers for the transformation of the water industry, including technological, financial, environmental, and economic factors. Global market forecasts of shipments and revenue related to components of smart water networks, including water meters, smart meters, water network monitoring and control, data management and analytics, and communications infrastructure, extend through 2022. The report also assesses the competitive landscape and various approaches to smart water networks in different world regions and provides case studies of major smart water projects."