Water & Wastewater Treatment Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

The global water and wastewater treatment market is entering a transformative decade. According to Renub Research, the market reached USD 347.16 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 371.53 billion in 2025 to an impressive USD 639.30 billion by 2033, registering a healthy CAGR of 7.02% during the forecast period. Demand for clean water, rapid urbanization, stricter environmental regulations, and technological advancements are creating unprecedented momentum across all segments—from chemicals and equipment to municipal and industrial applications.

As climate change intensifies water scarcity and pollution challenges, the urgency to treat, recycle, and conserve water has never been more critical. This market sits at the heart of global sustainability, health, and economic resilience.

Download Free Sample Report

Water & Wastewater Treatment Market Overview

Water and wastewater treatment encompasses a multi-stage process designed to remove contaminants, pollutants, pathogens, and hazardous chemicals from water, making it safe for consumption, industrial processes, or safe environmental discharge.

The treatment journey typically includes:

Sedimentation

Filtration

Biological treatment

Chemical conditioning

Disinfection

These processes ensure any treated water meets safety and regulatory standards. Beyond potable use, treated water supports agriculture, industrial cooling, manufacturing, and environmental preservation.

Wastewater treatment, particularly in urban environments, plays a vital role in managing sewage, stormwater, and industrial effluents. Increasingly, treated wastewater is reused for landscaping, power plants, and various non-potable applications—an essential practice for regions facing chronic water shortages.

Growth Drivers Shaping the Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

1. Rising Global Demand for Clean Water

The world is heading toward a severe water deficit. According to experts at the UN Water Summit, global demand is expected to exceed freshwater supply by 40% by 2030. Population growth, industrial expansion, and modern agricultural needs are placing enormous pressure on existing water resources.

Governments, NGOs, and industries are ramping up investments in treatment technologies to ensure safe drinking water, prevent waterborne diseases, and build long-term water security.

2. Stringent Environmental Regulations

Water pollution has reached alarming levels, threatening aquatic ecosystems and public health. This has prompted governments worldwide to implement strict regulatory frameworks such as:

Clean Water Act (CWA) – United States

European Water Framework Directive (WFD)

Local wastewater discharge standards across Asia & Middle East

Industries must now treat wastewater before release, increasing demand for advanced treatment systems. Regulations around sustainability—including resource recovery and circular water use—are accelerating market expansion as well.

The European Union’s ongoing commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) continues to drive regulatory enforcement and green transformation across the region.

3. Innovations in Treatment Technologies

Technology is revolutionizing the water and wastewater industry. Breakthrough solutions include:

Membrane filtration

UV disinfection

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs)

IoT-enabled monitoring

AI-driven optimization in treatment plants

These innovations improve treatment efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and lower operational costs.

In April 2024, Watertech China highlighted a wave of transformative water technologies that promise enhanced treatment capabilities for municipalities and industries worldwide.

Key Market Challenges

1. High Capital & Operational Costs

Building modern treatment plants requires substantial investment. Energy-intensive processes, maintenance, and skilled workforce requirements add to operational expenses. For developing nations and small municipalities, these costs can be prohibitive, slowing adoption despite pressing needs.

2. Limited Awareness & Infrastructure Gaps in Emerging Economies

Countries in Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America face structural barriers:

Poor funding

Lack of technical expertise

Weak policy enforcement

Rural areas lacking basic facilities

Without targeted investments and infrastructure development, large volumes of untreated wastewater continue to pollute rivers and groundwater. Bridging these gaps will be essential for long-term market growth.

Segment Analysis

Coagulants & Flocculants

These chemicals are the backbone of solid-liquid separation. They help aggregate suspended particles, improving water clarity and enabling efficient sedimentation. With rising municipal and industrial demand, this segment continues to expand steadily. Stricter water quality regulations further boost adoption.

Antifoam Chemicals

Foam can disrupt the treatment process, overflow systems, and damage equipment. Antifoam chemicals prevent and control foam formation—especially crucial in industrial wastewater facilities. Growing industrialization and the need for uninterrupted operations are driving this segment’s demand.

Disinfection Technologies

Disinfection is essential for eliminating harmful pathogens. Key disinfection methods include:

Chlorination

UV irradiation

Ozone treatment

With rising demand for safe drinking water, the disinfection segment remains one of the fastest-growing markets. The shift toward advanced UV systems reflects a push for chemical-free, high-efficiency disinfection.

Biological Treatment Systems

Biological processes such as activated sludge, bioreactors, and anaerobic digestion break down organic contaminants. These eco-friendly systems are widely used in municipal plants and industries.

The rising emphasis on sustainability and the growing interest in wastewater reuse and biogas production are accelerating investments in biological treatment technologies.

Municipal Water & Wastewater Treatment

Municipalities remain the largest market segment due to:

Rapid urbanization

Aging water infrastructure

Rising population density

Government-led modernization

Cities worldwide are expanding capacity and upgrading outdated systems to address rising demand and improve resilience against climate-induced water stress.

Regional Market Highlights

United States

The U.S. maintains strong leadership driven by:

Strict environmental regulations

Aging infrastructure in need of modernization

Industrial water reuse initiatives

In January 2024, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. introduced advanced septic wastewater solutions through Infiltrator Water Technologies, expanding its treatment offerings.

With strong innovation ecosystems and federal funding support, the U.S. market is set for consistent growth.

Germany

Germany stands at the forefront of green innovation and strict environmental compliance. The country’s industrial sector demands high-performance wastewater treatment systems.

Germany’s commitment to resource recovery and sustainable water management fuels market expansion. In April 2024, Membion secured €5 million in investment to scale its advanced MBR modules, reducing operational costs while enhancing treatment efficiency.

India

India is witnessing rapid growth in the water & wastewater treatment sector due to:

Urbanization

Water pollution challenges

Large-scale government programs (Jal Jeevan Mission, Namami Gange)

Industrial clusters are major adopters of advanced treatment technologies.

In February 2024, TERI licensed its patented TADOX technology to Ion Exchange India Ltd, enabling innovative treatment solutions for industrial wastewater.

Saudi Arabia

With minimal freshwater resources, Saudi Arabia relies heavily on desalination and wastewater recycling. The country’s Vision 2030 agenda promotes sustainable infrastructure and water management.

In January 2025, the Emir of Jazan launched 73 water, environmental, and agricultural projects worth SAR 4.7 billion (USD 1.2 billion), strengthening the nation’s commitment to water security and modernization.

Market Segmentation Snapshot

By Chemicals

pH Conditioners

Coagulants & Flocculants

Disinfectants & Biocides

Scale & Corrosion Inhibitors

Antifoam Chemicals

Others

By Equipment

Membrane Separation

Biological Systems

Disinfection Equipment

Sludge Treatment

Others

By Application

Municipal

Industrial

By Countries

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

Key Players – Competitive Landscape

Major companies leading the global water & wastewater treatment market include:

Ecolab Inc.

Veolia Group

3M Company

Pentair plc

The Dow Chemical Company

Aquatech International Corporation

Calgon Carbon Corporation

Xylem Inc.

DuPont

Parkson Corporation

These players are consistently innovating through advanced technologies, strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and sustainability initiatives.

Final Thoughts

Water is the most essential resource on Earth—and one of the most threatened. As global scarcity, pollution, and climate variability intensify, the water and wastewater treatment market is becoming central to public health, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.

From advanced membrane systems to AI-driven water intelligence, the next decade will redefine how nations manage their water resources. With steady market growth and rising investments, the sector is well-positioned to meet the world’s accelerating need for clean, safe, and reusable water.