E. coli Water Testing Kit Market Size, Trends and Growth Analysis by 2027

The market for E. coli water testing kits is anticipated to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 305.23 million by 2028, up from US$ 194.72 million in 2021. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2021 to 2028.

Several factors contribute to this market expansion, including government initiatives aimed at increasing awareness regarding E. coli infections and the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance. Nevertheless, the costs associated with E. coli water testing pose a challenge to market growth.

Escherichia coli serves as a key indicator of antimicrobial resistance among Gram-negative bacteria. The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for national strategies to enhance the management of diarrhea and its complications, as well as to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation, particularly in developing nations. Water testing kits are particularly beneficial in rural areas where industrial facilities may lack the laboratory resources necessary for water quality monitoring.

There is a growing consumer preference for advanced portable kits designed for bacterial diagnostics, wastewater testing, and multi-chemical assessments for contaminants like chlorine and lead. This shift is moving consumers away from traditional laboratory testing methods towards more accessible portable water testing solutions. The National Health Policy 2017 identifies antibiotic resistance as a significant factor contributing to the proliferation of harmful bacteria, including E. coli, necessitating effective countermeasures. Initiatives such as the Fleming Fund are supporting low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) in gathering and sharing high-quality surveillance data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and advising on the appropriate use and quality of antimicrobial agents for both human and animal health globally, aiming to mitigate the presence of E. coli.

Various countries and international organizations have established maximum acceptable concentrations (MAC) for E. coli in drinking water. The WHO, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), European Union, and Australian National Health and Medical Research Council have set a standard of zero E. coli per 100 mL of water. The regulatory program for public water systems is administered by the EPA Regions and State and Tribal governments under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which oversees the measurement of contaminants in water samples.

Consequently, government initiatives aimed at raising awareness are expected to further stimulate the growth of the E. coli water testing kit market.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to global health. Lockdowns implemented during the pandemic led to delays in water testing, adversely affecting the volume of tests conducted and the sales of related instruments, consumables, and reagents. Initially, the E. coli water testing kit market experienced a downturn due to supply chain disruptions and decreased demand resulting from widespread lockdowns. However, as restrictions are gradually lifted, there has been a resurgence in testing activities.

The E. coli water testing kit market is categorized based on analytes into two segments: E. coli and coliforms. The E. coli segment is projected to dominate the market share in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a higher CAGR throughout the forecast period.

In terms of application, the market is divided into several segments, including institutional, government research, commercial, beverage and food processing, hospitality, healthcare, and others. The institutional segment is anticipated to hold the largest market share in 2021, while the government research segment is expected to experience the highest CAGR from 2021 to 2028.

Key organizations and authorities that have been referenced in the preparation of this report on the E. coli water testing kit market include the Department of Water Affairs in India?s Ministry of Water and Environmental Affairs, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service, the Food and Drug Administration, the WHO, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).