World demand for water treatment products is expected to increase by 6.6% per year through 2007 (including price increases), according to a new study from The Freedonia Group.

Gains throughout the developing world will reflect ongoing efforts to deliver clean, potable water to the more than one billion people who currently lack access. Developed nations may face increased demand in response to increasing environmental standards. For example, many nations in western Europe are trying to comply with the European Union's Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, which has deadlines in 2005.

The most promising markets for water treatment products are emerging in Latin America and the Pacific Rim, where faster population growth and more rapidly increasing levels of industrial output will stimulate demand, particularly in industries such as electronic components, chemicals, pulp and paper, and metal manufacturing. Demand for water treatment products is expected to rise more than 17% annually through 2007 in China.

The 300-page study, “World Water Treatment Products,” is available for $5,200 from The Freedonia Group, 767 Beta Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44143-2326. Contact Corinne Gangloff by phone at 440-684-9600; fax 440-646-0484; or e-mail: pr@freedoniagroup.com. For more information, visit the company's Web site: www.freedoniagroup.com.