Digital water market poised for growth

The extended use of automation systems is crucial to water quality in any water treatment plant in the 21st century.

By Annejan Visser, process engineer, QFS

The digital portion of the market is growing and proving to be important for the sustainable operation of the global water industry. Even when most markets are showing a downturn amid the turbulent times of a Covid-19 pandemic, recent figures from Global Water Intelligence show positive signs in the digital water market.

Digital forecasts

Figure 1 shows the global spending on digital water solutions by application. Compared with 2019, 2020 and later years show a definite positive increase in the digital market per application, most notably in the water network sector. It would appear that the current market conditions do not affect the forecasts of growth in the digital sector which is forecast to reach a value of US$47 billion (R860 billion) by the year 2024.

The areas in which QFS operates (customer services, seawater and brackish water desalination, wastewater treatment and process/drinking water treatment) also expect growth within the next five years.

**Figure 1** Global spend on digital solutions by application**

Because it implements various control systems in its plants, QFS will have vast exposure to the increased market forecast as shown in Figure 2. Despite a small slump in 2020, the five-year market forecast bodes well for QFS.

**Figure 2** Global spend on control systems in water and wastewater treatment plants**

Figure 3 indicates the digital water solutions’ global market share. QFS’s exposure is quite vast, as it operates in the following categories:

data collection
water quality sensors
physical parameter sensors
acoustic sensors
conventional meters
data networks
communications equipment.

**Figure 3** Global spend on digital solutions by technology category**

From the data shown, the direction in which utility providers, EPC contractors and other water industry sectors across the globe are heading is clear. This is essential proof of how important the implementation of digital infrastructure has become to enable end users to optimise their processes, thereby reducing costs.

South Africa’s digital innovations

QFS continually strives to assist its clients with the latest digital (as well as mechanical) innovations in water and wastewater treatment. Having offered various digital solutions for water and wastewater treatment plants for over 20 years, QFS is well in line with global trends and is well positioned in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Although many operators see automation as a threat to job security, QFS views automation as a valuable aid to operators. This is because the operator will have access to continued assistance from QFS in the operation of the plant as well as access to valuable data that will help in running their water or wastewater treatment works at optimal levels. Combined with QFS’s online monitoring ability, operators will be able to build the confidence and knowledge to become part of the implementation of advanced technologies.

**Figures sourced from Weaver, R., 2020. The impact on desalination and digital services, Oxford: Global Water Intelligence