The water treatment industry in the US plays a crucial role in ensuring clean and safe water for millions. It encompasses a range of companies that offer innovative solutions for wastewater management, filtration, and water purification. From technology-driven startups focused on advanced membrane systems to established corporations providing essential infrastructure, the sector is evolving rapidly. With growing concerns over water scarcity and quality, investments are increasingly directed towards sustainable practices and cutting-edge technologies. In 2024, significant strides in regulations and innovations highlight the industry's urgency and importance, promoting better overall water security.


The list features a variety of investors in the water treatment sector, including venture capital firms, corporate entities, and private equity firms. Headquartered in major US cities like New York and Washington, D.C., these investors range in size from small firms to large organizations with thousands of employees. Founded from 1874 to 2022, they show a commitment to sustainability and innovation. Notably, 2024 deal counts reveal active engagement, with investors like SOSV making over 170 investments to support initiatives focused on improving water management and treatment technologies.


Top 18 Water Treatment Investors in the US


1. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. It serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has engaged in several transactions that highlight its involvement in the water treatment sector. Notable grants include $3,150,000 to Membrion for innovative membrane technology, $300,000 to Coastside County Water District for water infrastructure improvements, $1,250,000 to ZwitterCo for advanced water treatment solutions, $200,000 to Savengy for water purification technologies, and $200,000 to Novoreach Technologies for water treatment innovations. These investments reflect the DOE's commitment to supporting advancements in water treatment, particularly in the context of energy efficiency and sustainability.


2. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In recent years, the Government of Canada has made significant investments in water treatment technologies, including grants to companies such as Saltworks Technologies, BQE Water, E2metrix, Acuva Technologies, and IWR Technologies. These investments, particularly through programs like Natural Resources Canada’s Clean Growth Program, highlight the government's role in promoting sustainable water management and innovative solutions in the water treatment sector.


3. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, SOSV has been involved in several transactions relevant to the water treatment sector, including their support for Oxyle, a Zurich-based cleantech startup that focuses on water treatment solutions. Oxyle raised significant funding rounds, including a CHF 2.8M pre-seed round and a $16 million seed round, showcasing SOSV's commitment to investing in technologies that improve water quality and sustainability. Other transactions, such as their involvement with Memstar and Brightwater Tools, further illustrate their engagement in sectors that may intersect with water treatment technologies.


4. Echo River Capital

  • Website: echorivercap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: echo-river-cap

Echo River Capital is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm founded in 2022, specializing in early-stage water technology companies. The firm is dedicated to impact investing, aiming to tackle global water challenges by providing capital and strategic support to startups focused on improving water management and sustainability. In 2023, they participated in seed rounds for DigitalPaani and Kairospace Technologies, both of which are likely involved in innovative water solutions. In 2024, they invested in Active Membranes, raising over $2.3 million, and also supported Epic Cleantec in a Series B round with a significant investment of $12 million. Their portfolio includes Aclarity, which raised $3.3 million in 2022, further emphasizing their commitment to the water sector. Echo River Capital primarily targets innovative companies in the water industry, making them a key player in the water treatment investment landscape.


5. DXP Enterprises, Inc.

  • Website: dxpe.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1908
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: dxp-enterprises-inc-

DXP Enterprises, Inc. is a Houston-based industrial distributor founded in 1908, specializing in a wide range of products and services across various sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and renewable energy. The company focuses on rotating equipment, supply chain management, and safety solutions to enhance operational efficiency for its clients. In recent years, DXP has made significant strides in the water treatment sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in September 2024, they acquired Hartwell Environmental Corporation, a manufacturer’s representative in the water and wastewater industry, which reported sales of approximately $18.4 million. Just a day earlier, they acquired Sullivan Environmental Technologies Inc., another player in the water and wastewater space, with reported sales of $4.4 million. Additionally, in May 2023, DXP acquired Riordan Materials Corporation and Florida Valve & Equipment Corp., further solidifying their presence in the water treatment market. These transactions highlight DXP's commitment to expanding its capabilities and offerings in the water treatment industry.


6. US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

  • Website: epa.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1970
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 54
  • LinkedIn: us-epa

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a public entity established in 1970, dedicated to environmental protection and regulatory compliance. Based in Washington, D.C., the EPA serves state and local governments, businesses, and the public by promoting sustainable practices and ensuring adherence to environmental laws. In 2024, the EPA has been involved in 54 investments, primarily in the form of grants. Notably, the agency has provided significant funding to various water treatment initiatives, including a $1.8 million grant to the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts in July 2023, aimed at enhancing wastewater management. Additionally, the EPA awarded $500,000 to Aquagga, Inc. in January 2022, which focuses on innovative water treatment solutions. These transactions highlight the EPA's commitment to improving water quality and supporting projects that address critical environmental challenges.


7. American Water

  • Website: amwater.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Camden, New Jersey, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1886
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 34
  • LinkedIn: american-water

American Water, founded in 1886 and headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, is a public entity that provides essential water and wastewater services to approximately 3.4 million customers across the United States. As a corporate investor in the water utility industry, American Water emphasizes community support and environmental stewardship. The company has been actively involved in several significant transactions aimed at enhancing its water treatment capabilities. Notable acquisitions include the Concordia Water Cooperative's water distribution system, which expanded their service area in Illinois, and the Rio Plaza Water Company, serving customers in Ventura County, California. Additionally, American Water's acquisition of Keystone Clearwater Solutions for $130 million highlights their commitment to improving water treatment services. Their recent agreement to acquire Appalachian Utilities, which includes plans to invest over $6.5 million into upgrading water infrastructure, further underscores their focus on enhancing water treatment and service delivery.


8. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR provides asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes and achieve strong financial returns. Notably, KKR has made strategic investments in the water treatment sector, including a 25% stake in Northumbrian Water Group Limited, valued at approximately £870 million, and a significant role in the acquisition of Singapore-based United Envirotech for $1.5 billion, which enhances their presence in China's water and wastewater treatment sector. These transactions highlight KKR's commitment to investing in water treatment solutions, making them a relevant player in this industry.


9. Elemental Impact


Elemental Impact is a not-for-profit organization based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2012. Their mission is to scale climate technologies with significant community impact, providing funding opportunities, community engagement strategies, and educational resources to support climate technology companies and local governments. They focus on addressing the funding gap for early-stage climate projects and fostering partnerships that enhance community benefits. Notably, Elemental Impact has been involved in several transactions relevant to the water treatment sector, including investments in DigitalPaani, which raised funds to expand its wastewater treatment technology across India. This involvement highlights their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in water treatment and sustainability.


10. MassVentures

  • Website: mass-ventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Waltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1978
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: massventures

MassVentures is a venture studio based in Waltham, Massachusetts, founded in 1978. It supports early-stage companies, particularly in deep tech innovation, by providing a range of funding options, including venture capital and grants, along with business guidance and accelerator programs. In the context of water treatment, MassVentures has been involved in several relevant transactions. They provided grants to Cambrian Innovation and ZwitterCo, both of which are engaged in water treatment technologies. Additionally, they participated in a Series A funding round for Aclarity, a company that offers solutions for PFAS contamination, a critical issue in water treatment. Their commitment to supporting startups that address water-related challenges highlights their relevance in the water treatment sector.


11. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1956, based in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has invested in companies like Organica Water, which specializes in wastewater treatment solutions. IFC led Organica's Series B and participated in its Series C financing, supporting the company's global expansion and the development of innovative wastewater treatment technologies. This involvement highlights IFC's commitment to fostering sustainable water treatment solutions alongside its broader mission of economic growth.


12. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among their notable investments, Y Combinator has backed Valor Water Analytics, which raised $120,000 in a seed round in 2014, focusing on water analytics solutions. They have also invested significantly in Solugen, a biomaterials startup that raised a total of $118.7 million across multiple funding rounds from 2017 to 2020, which is involved in producing sustainable cleaning products that can impact water treatment processes. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the water treatment sector, particularly through innovative and sustainable technologies.


13. A. O. Smith Corporation

  • Website: aosmith.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: a.-o.-smith-corporation

A. O. Smith Corporation is a leading manufacturer specializing in water heating and treatment solutions, founded in 1874 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company provides a diverse range of products, including residential and commercial water heaters and boilers, catering to both businesses and consumers seeking efficient water heating and purification solutions. A. O. Smith operates globally with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. In recent years, the company has strategically expanded its water treatment business through several key acquisitions. Notably, in 2016, A. O. Smith acquired Aquasana, Inc., a Texas-based water treatment company, for $87 million, enhancing its portfolio in the water purification market. In 2019, the company acquired Water-Right, Inc. for $107 million, further solidifying its position in the water treatment sector. More recently, in 2022, A. O. Smith acquired Atlantic Filter Corporation, and in 2024, it acquired Pureit for $120 million, both transactions aimed at expanding its water treatment capabilities. These acquisitions reflect A. O. Smith's strategic focus on the water treatment industry, making it a significant player in this market.


14. Watts Water Technologies

  • Website: watts.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: North Andover, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1874
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: watts-water-technologies

Watts Water Technologies is a corporate investor based in North Andover, Massachusetts, founded in 1874. The company is a leading provider of plumbing and HVAC solutions, offering a wide range of products for water management, heating, and drainage systems. Watts serves contractors, builders, and facility managers across residential, commercial, and industrial applications, emphasizing quality and efficiency in its manufacturing and distribution processes. Notably, Watts has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the water treatment sector, including the acquisition of Alamo Water Refiners' water softener business in 2005, which had an annual revenue of approximately $13 million. Additionally, they acquired HF Scientific in the same year, further solidifying their footprint in water quality solutions. Other acquisitions, such as FEBCO and tekmar Control Systems, also align with their focus on water management and treatment solutions, showcasing their commitment to expanding their portfolio in this critical industry.


15. Burnt Island Ventures


Burnt Island Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2020, that specializes in the water industry. The firm is dedicated to connecting investors with promising water technology ventures, emphasizing the critical importance of water in the context of climate change. In 2024, they have already made 7 investments, showcasing their active role in the sector. Notable transactions include their participation in Aqua Membranes' Series B funding, ZwitterCo's Series A and Seed rounds, and Aclarity's Series A and Seed rounds. Aclarity, in particular, focuses on sustainable solutions for eradicating PFAS contaminants, highlighting Burnt Island Ventures' commitment to addressing significant water treatment challenges. Through these investments, Burnt Island Ventures supports innovative solutions that aim to improve water quality and sustainability.


16. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. They focus on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in several transactions relevant to the water treatment industry, such as BIOTA Spring Water, which raised funds for its operations in the water sector, and Environmental Energy Services, which focuses on environmental management. Other transactions include Clean Rite Equipment & Environmental and Timewell Drainage Products, indicating a broader interest in environmental and water-related services. Their diverse investment portfolio and commitment to supporting small businesses make them a significant player in the water treatment investment landscape.


17. Franklin Electric


Franklin Electric Co., Inc. is a corporate investor based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, specializing in water and energy management systems. Founded in 1958, the company has established itself as a key manufacturer and distributor of pumps, motors, and controls for a wide range of applications. Franklin Electric's commitment to quality and innovation is evident in its strategic acquisitions aimed at enhancing its presence in the water treatment sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Western Hydro, which bolstered their groundwater product distribution capabilities, and the purchase of Cerus Industrial for $25.7 million, which enhanced their technical and product development in motor controls. Additionally, their acquisition of Little Giant Pump Company for $121 million further solidified their position in the water transfer solutions market. These transactions reflect Franklin Electric's active role in the water treatment industry, making them a significant player in this field.


18. Montrose Environmental Group


Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. is an environmental consulting company founded in 2012, headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. With a workforce of 1001-5000 employees, Montrose provides a comprehensive suite of services including testing, compliance, and remediation solutions across various sectors such as chemical manufacturing and oil & gas. Notably, Montrose has made significant strides in the water treatment industry through strategic acquisitions and investments. In 2019, they acquired Emerging Compounds Treatment Technologies, Inc. (ECT2), which specializes in advanced treatment technologies for emerging contaminants in water. In 2023, they co-led a Series A funding round for TreaTech, a company focused on circular waste treatment, which has implications for water treatment processes. These transactions highlight Montrose's commitment to enhancing their capabilities in water treatment and environmental management, positioning them as a key player in the industry.



Water Treatment Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Echo River CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-1020225
DXP Enterprises, Inc.Houston, Texas, United States (USA)1001-500019086
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+197054
American WaterCamden, New Jersey, United States (USA)5001-10000188634
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Elemental ImpactHonolulu, Hawaii, United States (USA)51-200201219
MassVenturesWaltham, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1-10197828
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
A. O. Smith CorporationMilwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (USA)10001+18743
Watts Water TechnologiesNorth Andover, Massachusetts, United States (USA)5001-1000018740
Burnt Island VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020207
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Franklin ElectricFort Wayne, Indiana, United States (USA)5001-1000019580
Montrose Environmental GroupLittle Rock, Arkansas, United States (USA)1001-500020127


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