According to the World Resources Institute (2023), Peru is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, ranking 32 out of 164 countries analyzed. The capital, Lima, which hosts more than one third of the country’s population, is the second largest city located in a desert in the world. There are large disparities in access to potable water and sanitation services between urban and rural populations, especially outside Metropolitan Lima. Therefore, water and wastewater treatment are a priority for the government. The country has made commitments to improve its potable water supply and wastewater treatment. In its National Sanitation Plan, the Peruvian government is committed to achieving universal access to safe drinking water and estimates to invest US$15.3 billion from 2021-2026.
The sector offers opportunities for new water management technologies and services. Products such as software, sensors, and chemicals are in demand. Integral technical advice from experienced engineering firms is also required.
Rising temperatures due to climate change will continue to add stress to water supply for human consumption. This will increase demand for desalination technologies for coastal cities, which host the largest share of urban population in the country (INEI, 2023).