Review by Loyd Eskildson

Water is the third largest industry in the world and will be driven by a substantial increase in its value during the 21st century, says author Steve Hoffman. In substantiation, he cites the World Health Organization estimate that 1.1 billion do not have access to improved drinking water and 2.6 billion live without proper means of sanitation. Half of all hospital beds are filled with people suffering from waterborne and water-related diseases. The health burden also includes the annual expenditures of 10 million person-years carrying water from distant sources. An estimated 1.8 million deaths occur annually from diarrheal diseases alone. Finally, China has 22% of the world's population, and only 8% of its water.

Over 97% of the earth's water is saltwater, and only 1% is easily accessible surface fresh water. If per-capita consumption continues to increase at its current rate we will be using over 90% of available fresh water by 2025. Estimated total global water costs 2008--2025 will be $16 trillion - includes current operations and expansion according to international goals.

Semiconductor makers requires lots (up to 1 billion gallons/year/major plant) of ultra pure water - it is estimated that for every $1 they spend buying water, they spend another $20 in added purification and $10 in waste-water pretreatment. Health care, cooling towers, pharmaceuticals, and heavy metal processing also require specially treated water.

Global warming will add to the world's water problems due to increased floods and the resulting spreading of fertilizer and sewage; increased drought will be another problem.

The rest of Planet Water provides a good overview of the various equipment and chemical needs for water purification and waste-water treatment.

About The Author

Steve Hoffmann is the founder of WaterTech Capital, a private investment company that specializes exclusively in consulting and investment opportunities within the water industry. With over twenty-five years of experience in the water industry—as a water rate designer, resource economist, entrepreneur, and investor—Hoffmann has witnessed firsthand the dramatic transition of the water business.

Planet Water: Investing In The World's Most Valuable Resource (Wily, John & Sons, Inc./ Apr 2009) by Steve Hoffman

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