Rules in the United States and the EU set deadlines for lead pipe replacement, lead limits and leakage checks.
Why this market is moving now
- A US rule finalised on 8 October 2024 requires water systems to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years.
- EU member states had to report water leakage assessments by 12 January 2026, and an EU leakage threshold for national action plans is due by 12 January 2028.
- The EU lead limit for drinking water falls to 5 micrograms per litre by 12 January 2036.
- Piped water reached 793 million more people worldwide between 2015 and 2024, three quarters of them in urban areas.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Between 2015 and 2024, 793 million people worldwide gained access to piped water, six times the 132 million who gained other improved water sources. | 793 million people gaining piped water (2015 to 2024) | 2024 | |
| Three quarters of the people who gained piped water worldwide between 2015 and 2024, or 579 million, lived in urban areas. | 579 million urban residents gaining piped water | 2024 | |
| Four out of five people who gained piped water between 2015 and 2024 lived in lower middle income countries (313 million) or upper middle income countries (302 million). | 313 million people in lower middle income countries | 2024 | |
| In 2024, 2.1 billion people worldwide still lacked safely managed drinking water services. | 2.1 billion people | 2024 | |
| Global coverage of safely managed drinking water rose from 68% in 2015 to 74% in 2024. | 74 % of world population (2024) | 2024 | |
| A US rule finalised on 8 October 2024 requires drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. | 10 years to replace lead pipes (United States) | 2024 | |
| EU member states had to report assessments of water leakage levels by 12 January 2026, and the EU must set a leakage threshold that triggers national action plans by 12 January 2028. | 12 Jan 2026 leakage assessment deadline (EU) | 2026 | |
| The EU lead limit in drinking water falls from 10 to 5 micrograms per litre by 12 January 2036 at the latest. | 5 micrograms per litre lead limit by 2036 (EU) | 2036 | |
| Mueller Water Products, which makes valves, hydrants and pipe repair products, raised net sales 3.2% to $1,475.0 million in the year to 30 September 2026. | 1,475.0 USD million net sales (fiscal 2026) | 2026 | |
| Xylem, a water technology company with 22,000 employees, had revenue of $9 billion in 2025 and expected about $8.95 billion in 2026. | 9 USD billion revenue (2025) | 2025 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Companies to watch
Mueller Water Products
Maker of valves, hydrants and pipe repair products; fiscal 2026 net sales of $1,475.0 million.
Xylem
Water technology company with 22,000 employees and $9 billion of revenue in 2025.
Kubota
Lists ductile iron pipes among its pipe products (
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global water pipe market?
Between 2015 and 2024, 793 million people worldwide gained access to piped water, six times as many as gained other improved sources. In 2024, 2.1 billion people still lacked safely managed drinking water.
Where is piped water growing fastest?
In cities and middle income countries. Of the 793 million people who gained piped water between 2015 and 2024, 579 million lived in urban areas, and 313 million lived in lower middle income countries.
How many people lack safe drinking water worldwide?
In 2024, 2.1 billion people still lacked safely managed drinking water services. Global coverage rose from 68% in 2015 to 74% in 2024.
Which rules require lead pipe replacement?
A US rule finalised on 8 October 2024 requires water systems to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. In the EU, the lead limit in drinking water falls to 5 micrograms per litre by 12 January 2036.
What are the EU rules on water leakage?
EU member states had to report assessments of water leakage levels by 12 January 2026. The EU must set a leakage threshold by 12 January 2028, above which countries must present action plans.
Who are the main water pipe and network companies?
Mueller Water Products, which makes valves, hydrants and pipe repair products, had fiscal 2026 net sales of $1,475.0 million, up 3.2%. Xylem, a water technology company, had revenue of $9 billion in 2025.
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