Water and Wastewater Treatment Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025–2033

Water & Wastewater Treatment Market Overview

Water and wastewater treatment involves eliminating various contaminants, pollutants, and hazardous chemicals from water to make it safe for consumption, industrial use, or environmental discharge. Such treatment is done through several stages, namely filtration, sedimentation, biological treatment, chemical treatment, and disinfection. All these processes help remove liquids that contain substances characterized as solids, pathogens, organic matter, and hazardous chemicals, ensuring the water serves the safety and quality standards.

Treated water is used to supply drinking water, irrigation for agricultural purposes, industrial cooling, and manufacturing. It serves a critical role in environmental health by conserving waters from pollution and eliminating hazardous substances in aquatic ecosystems. In an urban area, wastewater treatment is needed in the management of sewage and stormwater, as well as industrial effluents. Treated wastewater can be safely reused for non-potable purposes, such as landscaping, or returned to natural water bodies without causing harm. This sustainable practice conserves water resources and supports the growing global demand for clean, usable water.

Growth Drivers in the Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

Increasing Demand for Clean Water

The increasing global population and rapid urbanization have led to a surge in the demand for clean and safe water. Further intensification of water usage is brought about by expanding industrial activities and agricultural requirements, which require effective treatment solutions. Governments and organizations invest heavily in water treatment infrastructure to ensure access to potable water and prevent waterborne diseases. This increasing emphasis on water security drives the growth of the water and wastewater treatment market. The world is facing an imminent water crisis, with demand expected to outstrip fresh water supply by 40% by the end of this decade, according to the UN Water Summit. The world is facing an imminent water crisis, with demand expected to outstrip the supply of fresh water by 40% by the end of this decade, experts said on the eve of a crucial UN water summit.

Strict Environmental Regulations

Growing water pollution and the associated effects on ecosystems have made governments around the world enforce severe regulations on the discharge of wastewater. Industries are now compelled to treat wastewater before discharging it into the environment. This has given rise to a strong demand for advanced treatment technologies and systems. Compliance with such regulations is what fuels the market growth as companies invest in sustainable and efficient solutions for wastewater treatment to meet legal standards. Key regulatory frameworks include the Clean Water Act (CWA) in the United States, the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), and various local and international standards. The EU launched its first sustainable development strategy (SDS) in 2001, incorporating environmental aspects into its Lisbon strategy. Following the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, the Commission published a 2016 communication titled 'Next steps for a sustainable European future – European action for sustainability', which explained the implementation of SDGs in EU policies.

New Technologies for Treatment Technologies

Membrane filtration, UV disinfection, and advanced oxidation processes are the latest technologies to change the face of the water and wastewater treatment industry. These include higher efficiency, lower operational costs, and improved treatment outcomes. The integration of IoT and AI in water management systems allows for real-time monitoring and optimization, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment processes in terms of quality and otherwise. Such technological advancements are attracting investments and driving growth in the market. April 2024, Watertech China 2024 is the largest global water treatment sourcing event that allows companies to push forward transformative solutions and leverage the latest technologies in water treatment to boost business in China and beyond.

Challenges in the Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

High Capital and Operational Costs

One of the significant challenges for water and wastewater treatment markets is a huge amount of capital required for the setting up of treatment plants and implementing state-of-the-art technologies. Ongoing operational and maintenance expenses could be relatively expensive, especially with energy-intensive processes. The resultant financial costs may prevent small towns and industries from adopting innovative treatments, thereby hampering the market growth in the cost-conscious areas.

Poor awareness and lack of infrastructure in the developing regions

Infrastructure and public awareness about water treatment is a major challenge in many developing countries. There is very little funding, not enough technical expertise, and lack of policy enforcement which renders the adoption of effective treatment systems impossible. The rural areas need proper basic facilities, including modern water treatment systems, which are as yet not available. Untreated wastewater is released in the environment. All these must be dealt with if the markets are to expand in those regions.

Coagulants & Flocculants Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

Coagulants and flocculants represent a set of crucial chemicals within water and waste-water treatment procedures for removing suspensions of materials and particles suspended in the system. They improve water clarity through aggregation and sedimentation of contamination. These chemical products are often applied in most municipal water treatments and industrial processings. With an increase in demand for an effective solution towards solid-liquid separation, more stringent water-quality regulations boost up the growth within the coagulants and flocculants market.

Antifoam Chemicals Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

Antifoam chemicals are one of the controlling and preventing substances of foam development during water and wastewater treatment. Foam can significantly hamper treatment operations, delay treatment, and also cause malfunctioning of the equipment. This chemical is greatly used in the treatment of industrial wastewater and in sewage plants. Increased industrial production and awareness toward efficient water management systems are significant drivers for adopting antifoam chemicals in the treatment market.

Disinfection Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

Disinfection is the primary requirement in the treatment of water as it can eliminate harmful pathogens from the water, ensuring it to be safely used. Major technologies in water disinfection, including chlorination, UV, and ozone treatments, are also being widely adopted in municipal and industrial applications. Increasing demand for safe drinking water and compliance with strict health standards propel the market growth in the disinfection segment. Advances in disinfection technologies, including sophisticated UV systems, drive the disinfection market forward.

Biological Water and Wastewater Treatment Market

Biological treatment technologies rely on microorganisms to break down organic pollutants in water. Such processes include activated sludge systems, bioreactors, and anaerobic digestion, among others, widely used in municipalities and industries. The increasing concern for environmentally friendly and economical treatment options is increasing the demand for biological treatment technologies. Moreover, increased investment in wastewater reuse and biogas production further strengthens the market uptake of biological treatment processes.

Municipal Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

Safe and potable water requires municipal water and wastewater treatment systems. Sludge management along with filtration, disinfection constitutes such a municipal water and wastewater treatment system. Municipal water treatment solutions are necessitated by urbanization, fast growth in the population, and infrastructural establishment. The aging infrastructure is constantly being upgraded or expanded to ensure rising demand treatment capacity, especially in governments throughout the world; therefore, municipalities represent a prime sector for this water treatment market.

United States Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

The United States is a substantial market in water and wastewater treatment stimulated by strict environmental regulations and aging water infrastructure. Federal initiatives like the Clean Water Act and investment in infrastructure modernization are enhancing the demand for modern treatment technologies. Increased industrial activities and increased awareness towards water conservation are some of the factors which help the market to grow. In the U.S. market, leading technology providers and innovators form a part of its strengths. January 2024, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (U.S.) introduced three new treatment solutions, which expand the innovative onsite septic wastewater portfolio under Infiltrator Water Technologies.

Germany Water and Wastewater Market

Germany is the leader in the water and wastewater market in terms of fulfilling strict environmental standards and sustainable environment. Demand in the country's advanced industrial sector for efficient wastewater treatment solutions fuels market growth. Government policies for resource recovery and renewable energy generation from wastewater are also propelling market growth. Germany, being a key player in the global market, emphasizes technological innovation and green infrastructure. Apr 2024, Membion of Roetgen has secured €5 million in investment from TechVision Fonds and DeepTech & Climate Fonds. The company manufactures MBR modules for wastewater treatment that enable operators to meet growing demands for water quality while reducing operational costs.

Indian Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

The Indian water & wastewater treatment market is growing significantly with urbanization, industrialization, and the rising level of water pollution in the country. The government, through the Jal Jeevan Mission and the Namami Gange Program, has taken several initiatives to ensure water access and improve river health, thus further driving investments into treatment infrastructure. The demand for cost-effective and scalable solutions is high, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Industrial clusters further add to the increased need for advanced treatment technologies. February 2024: TERI has entered into a TADOX Technology and Trademark License Agreement with Ion Exchange India Ltd to commercially exploit its patented wastewater treatment technology for industrial application.

Saudi Arabia Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

Saudi Arabia’s arid climate and limited freshwater resources make water and wastewater treatment a critical focus area. The country heavily invests in desalination plants and wastewater reuse projects to address water scarcity. Vision 2030 initiatives promoting sustainable development and infrastructure growth are driving the market. The industrial and oil sectors’ need for efficient water management solutions further contributes to expanding the water and wastewater treatment market in Saudi Arabia. Jan 2025, The Emir of Jazan region has launched 73 environmental, water, and agricultural projects worth SAR 4.7 billion (over USD 1.2 billion) with the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Engineer Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli. These projects support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by enhancing sustainability and improving infrastructure for citizens.

Water & Wastewater Treatment Market Segments

Chemicals

• pH Conditioners
• Coagulants & Flocculants
• Disinfectants & Biocides Products
• Scale &Corrosion Inhibitors
• Antifoam Chemicals
• Others Chemicals

Equipment

• Membrane Separation
• Biological
• Disinfection
• Sludge Treatment
• Others

Application

• Municipal
• Industrial

Countries

• United States
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Turkey
• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• New Zealand
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

All the Key players have been covered from 4 Viewpoints:

• Overview
• Key Person
• Recent Development
• Revenue

Key Players Analysis

• Ecolab Inc.
• Veolia Group
• 3M Company, Inc.
• Pentair plc.
• The Dow Chemical Company
• Aquatech International Corporation
• Calgon Carbon Corporation
• Xylem Inc.
• DuPont
• Parkson Corporation

Report Details: