Private Investment

The role of private participation in water, globally, is one path to rehabilitating and upgrading utility assets. From investor-owned utilities in the U.S. to build-own-and-operate contracts for desalination plants in the Middle East, the roles played by private investors—financial and strategic—vary significantly by country and regulatory frameworks.

As the regional markets evolve in response to dynamic macroeconomic and climatic influences, established players are poised to build out from their existing platform positions and be joined by new market entrants.

Recent Analysis

Jacobs Affirms O&M Presence in Massachusetts

U.S. Private Water: Key Trends, M&A Activity, and Market Outlook, Q1 2025

Calgon Carbon Lands Expansive Deal with American Water

Thames Water Braces for AMP8 Turbulence

Private Equity Firm CVC Lands Deal in Arizona Utility Market

FACSA Shakes Up Spanish Concession Market

Water on Trial:

SCOTUS and the Clean Water Act

Harmful Algal Blooms:

Drinking Water Systems Impacts, Treatment Solutions, and Market Sizing

France PFAS Ban Advances Europe Remediation

EU Struggles to Enforce Wastewater Regulations While Expanding Scope

3M Windfall for Impacted PFAS Water Systems

Read more research on water quality

Key Research Questions

In which ways are investor-owned utilities targeting wastewater?

How will PFAS and other legislation impact private water utility strategies?

How does private water deal flow in 2025 compare to last year?

What countries, outside of the U.S., offer opportunities for private investment in water?

Private Investment Data

22,000+

private drinking water utilities in the U.S.

13 states

have fair market value legislation

22 deals

with private water buyers approved in Texas in 2024

US$1,811

of average cost per water utility connection

Talk to our water experts about private investment in water