World demand to rise nearly 7% annually through 2017 World demand for water treatment equipment is expected to grow almost seven percent per year through 2017. Developing parts of the world -- such as the Asia/Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Africa/Mideast regions -- are expected to show strong growth, with gains supported by improved access to treated drinking water and sanitation facilities, particularly through greater use of filtration and membrane systems. Expanded manufacturing and industrial activities requiring the use of water treatment equipment such as membrane systems and disinfection equipment will also promote growth in these regions. More modest gains are expected in mature markets for water treatment equipment -- such as North America and Western Europe -- with demand for membrane systems and disinfection equipment supported by continued efforts to reduce chemical use by replacing chlorine and other chemicals with water treatment equipment, and in the US by an ongoing ...