Melbourne, Australia (PRWEB) September 07, 2013 -- In the past five years, the issue of water supply has come to the fore amid one of the deepest and most protracted droughts in Australian history, the so-called Millennium Drought of 2001 to 2010. The lack of rainfall challenged a water supply industry that has historically depended on rainwater from large catchments. As dam levels dropped, interest in augmentation of the water supply grew. The focus has been on techniques for recovering useable water from salt water, wastewater and stormwater. According to IBISWorld industry analyst Caroline Finch, “This has contributed to growth in the Water Treatment Services industry in Australia, and the shift in thinking about water supply is likely to provide long-term benefits.”
In the five years through 2013-14, the industry's revenue base has expanded, and revenue has grown at a compound annual rate of 5.8%. In the current year, further growth of 2.1% is expected to take industry revenue to $5.2 billion. The industry has grown to meet increased demand for water treatment services from desalination plants. Demand for services related to water re-use and water recycling has also grown, stemming from industry and government alongside investment in the Water Supply industry. The industry's structure has been marked by these shifts. “Labour productivity has increased at large urban water utilities, as capital investment has outpaced the need for new staff,” says Finch. At the smaller end of the industry, the water services provided by local councils have been consolidated to facilitate investment. The natural monopolies within the industry result in a high level of market concentration. The major players are the Sydney Water Corporation, the Water Corporation (WA), the South Australian Water Corporation, Queensland Urban Utilities, and the Melbourne Water Corporation.
Improved rainfall in the past five years has resulted in increased water availability. Expensive water manufacturing capacity at desalination plants is sitting idle, and it is unlikely that significant new investment will occur in the assets that the industry operates. After the rapid growth of the past five years, IBISWorld anticipates that demand for industry services will increase at a slower pace. Population-driven services, such as sewerage treatment, are expected to re-emerge as drivers of growth in the Water Treatment Services in Australia industry.
For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Water Treatment Services in Australia industry report page.
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IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics
Firms in this industry are involved in the treatment of water to ensure meet safety and environmental standards. After treatment water is transported through water mains to end users or released back into the environment. This industry excludes water testing services outside of the Water Supply division.
Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
International Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Basis of Competition
Barriers to Entry
Industry Globalisation
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Technology & Systems
Revenue Volatility
Regulation & Policy
Industry Assistance
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios
About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognised as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every Australian industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Melbourne, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organisations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com.au or call (03) 9655 3886.
Gavin Smith, IBISWorld, +61 396553838, [email protected]
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