The traditionally stable U.S. dairy sector has become subject to price volatility with swings in export market demand driven by macro-economic factors. The biggest water-related obstacle dairy processing facilities face is the removal of excess nutrients from wastewater streams, the complexity of which often require customized systems.
Rising utility sewer charges– stemming from tightening nutrient limits for industrial waste streams– encourage dairy processing facilities to install onsite wastewater treatment.
In this Market Insight, Bluefield analyzes:
- Dairy production and price impacts
- Water usage and costs at dairy processing facilities
- Wastewater flow and treatment processes used
- CAPEX and OPEX water forecasts for U.S. dairy processing sector, 2016-2025
- Leading dairy players and competitive landscape for water equipment suppliers
This insight is available to our Advanced Water Treatment & Desalination clients or available for one-time purchase. Learn more about Bluefield’s ongoing analysis of water reuse, wastewater management, and industrial water markets.
Bluefield Takeaways
- Water and sewage costs contribute up to 7% of non-labor operating costs and dairy processing facilities
- On average, dairy plants in the U.S. use 2.5 gallons of water per gallon of milk processed.
- Large-scale and diversified water equipment suppliers are market leaders in water management for dairy processors
