Greentech Lead America: Water and wastewater treatment industry in Mexico is set to rise thanks to growing awareness on water legislation and the support from various government bodies.
The Mexican Industrial water and wastewater treatment chemical market has revenues of more than $342.9 million in 2012 and is estimated to reach $473.1 million in 2017, according to a new study from Frost & Sullivan.
However lack of basic infrastructure in peripheral cities and rural areas curb the market’s overall scope, the report said. Main water treatment stations are located near biggest cities, and the country is yet to develop infrastructure to expand the reach of these facilities to remote areas.
Mexico has adopted water regulations at the federal, state and municipal levels that allow water usage only through authorization, subject to terms and conditions. This legal frame has accelerated the adoption of chemicals for industrial water and wastewater treatment, according to Frost & Sullivan Chemicals, Materials and Food Research Analyst Florencia Benitez Boiardi.
Fast-growing industries and rising water prices have compelled several plants in Mexico to install their own water treatment facilities, sustaining investments in the country’s treatment chemical market.
Environmental organizations’ opposition to the use of chemicals and the discharge of toxic chemicals directly into sewers further hampers the uptake of treatment chemicals. The trend of substituting conventional treatments for other technologies such as membranes, ultrafiltration and ultraviolet rays will also affect chemical suppliers’ revenues.
Nevertheless, the high costs of these non-chemical industrial water and wastewater treatment processes will ensure that chemical treatment remains the process of choice.
According to Boiardi, the Mexican water and waste water treatment market should focus on technological developments that will enable the re-use of highly polluted wastewater. Vendors must also develop strong relationships with manufacturers to optimize the supply chain and guarantee market sustenance.
Earlier this year Frost & Sullivan noted that support from government and regulatory bodies have pushed the membrane technology market for water and wastewater treatment in Australia and New Zealand forward.
Governments in both countries have developed a certification framework to impart necessary skills to water treatment facility operators, boosting the market’s preparedness for future developments, according to Frost & Sullivan.