Data

Local Water Utility Directory: How UtilityRadar Works

How the UtilityRadar directory tracks over 177,000 utility infrastructure sites globally, and how to use it for research and planning.

The UtilityRadar directory tracks over 177,000 utility infrastructure sites across 24 sectors and 71 countries. This guide covers what the directory contains, where the data comes from, and how to use it for research, planning, and analysis.

What the directory contains

SectorCoverage
Wastewater treatment plantsGlobal including capacity, treatment level
Water treatment plantsMunicipal and regional
Desalination plantsGlobal by size and technology
Power plantsCoal, gas, nuclear, hydro, solar, wind, geothermal
Battery storageGrid connected facilities
Waste managementLandfills, MRFs, waste to energy
Telecom infrastructureGrowing coverage
And other utility sectors24 sectors total

Data sources

  • US EPA ECHO and other US regulatory databases.
  • EU UWWTD database.
  • National environment agencies.
  • Utility company disclosures.
  • Industry association data.
  • OpenStreetMap infrastructure tags.
  • Government open data programmes.
  • Cross referenced and validated.

Scale

~177,000
plants globally
24
utility sectors
71
countries

How to use the directory

Browsing

Navigate by sector or country. Each sector has landing page with high level statistics. Country hubs show top plants by capacity and other filters.

Search

Global search across the full directory. Search by plant name, city, technology, or operator.

Filtering

Filter by capacity range, treatment level, technology type, operator, and other attributes. Facets vary by sector.

Individual plant pages

Each plant has a detail page with capacity, technology, operator, location, and relevant metadata.

Using directory for research

Key insight. The directory is designed for exploration and cross referencing, not exhaustive analytical work. For rigorous analysis, cross reference with primary regulatory sources (EPA ECHO, UWWTD, national agencies). Use directory to find candidates then verify from source.

Research applications

  • Consulting engineer competitor analysis.
  • Journalist investigative research.
  • Academic sector overview.
  • Investment sector mapping.
  • Utility peer benchmarking.
  • Government planning reference.
  • Vendor market development.

Data quality

Directory data reflects source at time of ingest. Sources vary in refresh frequency. Some data is 6 to 24 months old. Always cross verify for consequential analysis.

Known limitations

Common trap. Directory coverage is much stronger for US, EU, and other developed markets than for developing regions. Sub Saharan Africa, parts of Southeast Asia, and other regions have thinner coverage. Analyses relying on the directory should note this coverage variation.

Operator information

Where available, directory identifies plant operator. Some operators run many plants; some plants are operated by joint ventures. Operator information varies by data source availability.

Geographic coverage

RegionCoverage strength
USStrong across all utility sectors
EUStrong for wastewater and power
UKGood coverage
Japan, Korea, AustraliaReasonable
ChinaGrowing
IndiaGrowing
Sub Saharan AfricaEmerging
Middle EastGood for desalination and power
Latin AmericaReasonable

Data updates

Directory refreshes periodically as source data becomes available. Some sources update weekly, some annually. Directory metadata identifies data vintage where relevant.

Access

Directory is freely available at utilityradar.com. Sector browsing, country hubs, and individual plant pages accessible without registration.

Programmatic access

API access is under development. Contact site owner for early access consideration.

Feedback and corrections

Users can report data corrections through the site. Sector experts and utility staff who spot inaccuracies are encouraged to notify.

Where the directory is going

  • Continued sector expansion.
  • Improved emerging market coverage.
  • API access for programmatic use.
  • Additional data attributes.
  • Time series data on operational performance.
  • Deeper integration with public regulatory databases.

Frequently asked questions

How many plants are covered?

Over 177,000 across 24 sectors and 71 countries.

What data comes from where?

Multiple regulatory and open data sources cross referenced.

Is it accurate?

Reflects source at time of ingest. Cross verify for critical analysis.

Is it free?

Yes public access.

Can I download bulk data?

Not currently. API access under development.

How current is data?

Varies by source. Refresh periodically.

Can I contribute corrections?

Yes through feedback mechanism.

What sectors covered?

24 utility sectors including water, wastewater, power, telecom.

How do I search?

Global search and sector filters.

Where can I read more?

Site homepage at utilityradar.com.

Summary

The UtilityRadar directory tracks over 177,000 utility infrastructure sites globally across 24 sectors. Multiple data sources cross referenced. Strongest coverage for US, EU, UK, and other developed markets. Useful for research, planning, and analysis. Continuously expanding. Free public access at utilityradar.com.

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Written by
UtilityRadar Team

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