In March 2023, the EPA issued its proposed regulations for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which—in the absence of additional federal, state, and private funding—will ultimately force utilities to bear the capital and operating costs for treatment. Bluefield projects that drinking water utilities will spend a total of nearly US$6 billion over the 2023–2030 period alone to address PFAS contaminants, which could further accelerate consolidation efforts.
This quarterly analysis highlights key trends, transactions, and competitive shifts in the U.S. private water market. Bluefield’s team of water experts tracks mergers and acquisitions (M&A); service contract awards; and federal, state, and local policy developments on an ongoing basis to provide the most reliable and up-to-date insights for clients addressing opportunities in water.
In this Quarterly Review:
- IOU M&A trends continue into new year as stakeholders prep for looming policy changes
- NextEra is out of water
- IOUs roll up distressed systems across Arizona’s rapidly evolving water landscape
- Corix initiates first fair market value acquisition in North Carolina
- M&A activity in Texas show no signs of slowing down
