Smart Water Management (SWM) Market Analysis By Component (Devices, Solutions, Services), By Technology (Fixed Network, Cellular) And Segment Forecasts To 2020

Report Overview

The global smart water management market size was estimated at USD 5.87 billion in 2013. Increasing scarcity, quality issues, climate volatility, and rising energy risks along with aging infrastructure are expected to favorably impact the industry growth. Moreover, the demand for SMW is driven mainly on account of favorable regulatory initiatives.

North America smart water management market by component, 2012-2020, (USD Million)

Intelligent and efficient water management is anticipated to be a key issue in recent times, with a number of forces impacting the delivery of freshwater supplies to the growing population. Water stress, a situation rising due to increasing demands, pollution, and uneven resources is expected to fuel smart water management industry growth.

Technological proliferation and integration of mobile technology & water point monitoring provide opportunities to eliminate existing scalar constraints and adopt new models of supply planning. The emergence of integrated mobile technology helps monitor pumps remotely and helps detect any malfunction or leakages efficiently. However, lack of awareness about such means for increasing efficiency may pose a challenge to smart water management market growth.

Buyers are increasingly demanding meters that use two-way communication, owing to several benefits it offers including system monitoring & control, and time-based synchronized meter readings. In addition, such advanced two-way systems help users with an infrastructure that supports system integration with third-party devices such as pressure, security, and quality sensors as well as remote shut-off valves. The increasing need for clean supplies and proper sanitation on account of rapid urbanization is further expected to fuel SWM market growth.

Furthermore, remote sensing technologies along with GIS, GPS, and satellite radio communication systems help identify freshwater resources and analyze environmental issues. Presently, smart metering is being deployed rapidly across the industrial sector and offers untapped opportunities to govern usage & allocation effectively as well as address systemic operational inefficiencies in developing regions.

Component Insights

The smart water management market is broadly categorized into devices, solutions, and services. Devices are estimated to dominate the component segment in 2013 and are expected to follow the trend over the next few years. Devices are further classified into cellular and fixed network technology. The cellular technology segment is estimated to witness high growth over the next six years. However, fixed network technology is anticipated to dominate the industry.

The emergence of integrated mobile technology helps monitor pumps remotely and enables detection of any malfunctions efficiently. Meter reading technologies provide operational benefits, such as faster leak detection, efficient demand management, and high network visibility. In addition, SWM market solutions offered include meter data management, enterprise asset management, SCADA, pressure management modules, irrigation management, and distribution network monitoring systems along with advanced supportive analytics.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific smart water management market is expected to be the fastest-growing regional industry over the next few years. The growth can be attributed to increasing scarcity in the region and capital investments which have favorably impacted regional industry growth. The regional market is expected to be valued over USD 3.5 billion by 2020.

North America is anticipated to lead the SWM demand owing to financial incentives, incubation facilities, and demonstration sites. Regulators focus on undertaking measures such as setting leakage reduction targets and imposing fines in case of failure to comply with the regulations will help mitigate waste by introducing standards and code. The emergence of widespread regulatory requirements, such as California Water Conservation Act, is also expected to accelerate the regional industry growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The key players with significant smart water management market share include ABB Ltd, Aclara, Badger Meter, Cisco, Elster, General Electric (GE), HydroPoint Data Systems Inc., IBM Corporation, Itron, Mueller Systems, Oracle, Schneider Electric, Sensus. Siemens AG, and Tata Consultancy Services. A growing number of international companies have resulted in intensified competition and high initial investment. Companies increasingly are emphasizing on acquisitions and partnership strategies.

Companies across various industry sectors are emphasizing on the implementation of SWM systems to cut down on risks, comply with stricter regulations, and efficiently manage rising resource costs. It helps companies meet budget and regulatory requirements, and provides for business sustainability.

Smart Water Management (SWM) Market Report Scope