The Business of... WATER Water is the lifeline of our great state. All Coloradans must work together to preserve and protect this precious resource. Our food, economy, culture and survival depend on abundant, clean and affordable water. Period. Full Stop.
The sprawling US water system is central to the national economy. Chronic underinvestment, increasing demand and the consequences of climate change have revealed the systems weakness. A 2020 study by water utilities, engineers and advocacy groups estimated that making all the needed investments in the US water infrastructure would add $4.5 trillion and 800,000 jobs to the US economy by 2039. A recent “state of the water industry” survey revealed that water industry optimism is on the rise. Even in the face of aging infrastructure, threat to water supply and other obstacles. As a member of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce, I encourage you to consider the Colorado Water Industry and the unique employment and potential business opportunities available. Consider joining the BUSINESS of Water.
The precious liquid gold that starts high in the Rockies and meanders to the great Colorado River is ultimately stored, transported, and delivered to us as drinking water. Getting the fresh, sparkling mountain water from where it is, to where it’s needed is the great challenge and mission of the Colorado water industry. Yes, there is a water industry. Much like the banking, healthcare, oil and gas industries. The business side of water is the buying, selling, storing, infrastructures, cleaning and distributing this precious natural resource. Understandably, most tend to focus on water quality, rates, droughts and floods. That said, the US water industry is massive. According to a 2023 report, the water and wastewater treatment market was valued at $113 billion and expected to grow to $206 billion by 2032. In 2019, the US water and wastewater treatment technologies market was valued at $280 billion and is expected to grow to $440 billion by 2031. The water industry provides drinking water, wastewater services and sewage treatments to residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors of the economy. Typically, public utilities operate water supply networks. The water industry includes, but not limited to, water engineering, operations, water and wastewater construction, equipment supplies and specialists in water treatment chemicals. The water industry does not include manufacturers or suppliers of bottled water. That’s an aspect of beverage production and belongs to the food industry.
Dale R. Hunter Founder, The Hunter Group (THG).
THG is a government relations consulting firm that specialize in water and energy issues.
www.thg.consulting
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The Acumen
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