Figure 20: The water value chain

Precipitation

Groundwater Lakes/rivers Oceans

Exploration/
extraction

Storage/
Desalination
reservoirs

Water
treatment

Distribution and Management

Process water Drinking water

Irrigation treatment treatment

Point-of-use
treatment

Municipalities/
Agriculture Industry Households

Sewerage
system
Industrial
wastewater Wastewater
treatment treatment

Reuse
Drainage

Source: RobecoSAM

4.1 Utilities water infrastructure are an estimated USD 100 billion

Water utilities play a crucial role in providing water sup- and USD 104 billion respectively, while current operating
ply and wastewater services to residential, commercial expenditures amount to USD 191 billion and USD 125
and industrial sectors. Globally, utilities current annual billion for water and wastewater, respectively.46
capital expenditures on water infrastructure and waste-

46
 WI Global Water Market
G
2014

26 RobecoSAM Water: the market of the future