This is the conclusion reached by the McIlvaine Company based on intelligence in a number of the specific reports it publishes. There are 16,000 municipal wastewater treatment plants in the U.S. of which 4,000 treat more than one million gallons per day.
These plants are expanding to meet a growing population and are renovating to meet new treatment regulations. In 2013, these plants will purchase pumps, valves, instrumentation, chemicals and treatment equipment with a total value of $5.5 billion.
Most plants are buying chemicals on a yearly basis. Smaller plants are buying all chemicals with one bid specification. Large plants are buying individual chemicals in separate contracts. The average value per contract is $30,000. Expansions and new plant construction involve much larger sums. Illinois plans to invest over $1 billion in new projects with innovative financing which is now being put into place. North Carolina announced that 32 projects would receive $114 million through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
The Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District has embarked on a $2 billion facilities improvement project. The district s new permit from the state has stricter standards for ammonia, nitrates and pathogens.
Fremont Ohio is moving forward with a $57 million wastewater treatment project. Pierce County, Washington is embarking on a $350 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade. Oak Harbor, Washington has just selected a site for a $97 million treatment plant.
