Report: Minnesota is a Global Leader in Water Technology

Minnesota’s water technology industry is a national leader in patents and technology exports

Water industry employs thousands of Minnesotans, generating $885 million in annual wages

ST. PAUL, MN – September 14, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Minnesota is a global leader in water technology innovation according to a new report released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board. The report found that job growth in the Minnesota water technology industry was three times faster than overall state employment during the last decade and that it employed more than 13,500 workers in 2014.

The findings of the report were first announced Lt. Governor Tina Smith this morning at the 2015 Minnesota Water Technology Summit at the University of Minnesota.

“Minnesota’s fast growing water technology industry is creating good paying jobs and contributing to Minnesota’s global competitiveness,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “This emerging sector shows that clean water and economic growth can go hand in hand, for the benefit of all of us.”

The Water Economy Profile Report – compiled by DEED in partnership with the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board – shows that Minnesota’s water technology industry comprises nearly 1,200 business locations in the state. The sector includes public utilities and businesses offering products and services related to water treatment, water infrastructure and water efficiency.

DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben said the Minnesota industry is exporting products and services that are improving access to clean water for millions of people worldwide.

“Minnesota’s water technology exports more than doubled in the past decade on an inflation-adjusted basis, climbing from $430 million in 2004 to $870 million last year,” Sieben said.

Average annual wages in the water industry were about $65,500 in 2014, which was 27 percent higher than the state average annual wage of $51,600, the report said.

“Access to clean water is not just a Minnesota issue. It is a national and global concern, and Minnesota is well-positioned to address it as a global leader in the clean water industry,” said Will Seuffert, Executive Director of the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board.

The report was released today during the 2015 Minnesota Water Technology Summit at the University of Minnesota. Industry leaders met to discuss key topics related to water technology, including commercialization, water reuse and recovery, water risk and conservation, and the regulatory environment. Pentair CEO Randall J. Hogan and Ecolab CEO Doug Baker were keynote speakers at the event.

Among other highlights from the Water Economy Profile report:

Water Patent Leader – During the last five years (2010-2014), Minnesota had 165 water technology patents, ranking ninth among U.S. states. On a per capita basis, Minnesota was third in water technology patents in 2014.

Fast Growing Employment – Employment in the industry grew 13 percent between January 2004 and the first quarter of 2014, while the state’s total employment grew 4 percent during that period.

Good Jobs – Average annual wages in the water technology industry were 27 percent higher than the state average.

Employment Diffused – Water industry establishments tend to be small. About 80 percent of water establishments in the state have 10 employees or fewer, and 97 percent of establishments have fewer than 50 employees.

$855 Million in Wages – Minnesota workers in the water industry brought home more than $885 million in wages in 2014, up 15 percent from about $768 million in 2004 (full year wages, inflation adjusted).

A broader water policy report will be presented at the public meeting of the Environmental Quality Board on September 16, 2015.