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Prem Kumar with profound experience and sound knowledge across a wide range of market forecasting methods, demand f.....
Water and Wastewater Treatment Market: By Product, By Equipment, By Application, and Region Forecast 2020-2031
Water and Wastewater Treatment Market size was valued at US$ 347.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 560.9 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2025-2031. Moreover, the U.S. water & wastewater treatment market is projected to grow at 7.4% CAGR over the forecast period. The market encompasses all technologies, services, and systems used to treat water and wastewater for safe discharge, reuse, or consumption. This includes physical, chemical, and biological processes applied to remove contaminants and impurities from domestic, industrial, and agricultural water sources.
The market covers a wide range of solutions such as filtration systems, desalination technologies, membrane bioreactors, sludge treatment equipment, and disinfection processes. It serves multiple end-use industries, including municipal utilities, power generation, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, and chemicals. The market is witnessing significant growth driven by rising urbanization, increasing water scarcity, and stringent environmental regulations. Governments and industries worldwide are investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies to ensure water sustainability and compliance with regulatory standards.
Additionally, the growing demand for clean water in emerging economies and the need for effective wastewater reuse in industrial applications are further propelling market expansion. Technological advancements such as smart water management systems, IoT integration, and energy-efficient solutions are transforming the sector, offering cost-effective and scalable options for both public and private stakeholders.
Based on the type
Based on type, wastewater treatment is anticipated to lead the market due to the rising global emphasis on environmental sustainability and the urgent need to manage water scarcity. Increasing urbanization and industrialization have significantly contributed to higher volumes of wastewater, prompting stricter regulations on effluent discharge across both developed and developing regions. Governments and industries are actively investing in advanced wastewater treatment technologies to enable water reuse and ensure compliance with environmental standards. The growing adoption of zero-liquid discharge systems and biological treatment solutions is further accelerating this segment's dominance. As a result, wastewater treatment continues to be the primary growth driver within the market.
Based on the equipment
Based on equipment, membrane separation is expected to lead the market, driven by its high efficiency in removing contaminants and its increasing adoption in both municipal and industrial applications. Membrane technologies, such as reverse osmosis (RO), ultrafiltration (UF), and nanofiltration (NF), offer compact design, low chemical usage, and superior water quality output, making them ideal for modern treatment plants. The growing need for water reuse and desalination, particularly in water-scarce regions, has accelerated the deployment of membrane systems. Additionally, advancements in membrane durability and cost-effectiveness are enhancing their market appeal, positioning membrane separation as a key growth driver among all equipment types.
Based on the application
Based on application, the industrial segment is expected to lead the market, particularly in sectors such as power generation, oil & gas, and chemicals. Industrial facilities are among the largest consumers of water, requiring advanced treatment systems to manage high volumes of wastewater and meet stringent environmental standards. The need for water recycling, effluent treatment, and wastewater reuse is driving the demand for sophisticated water treatment technologies in these industries. As industries continue to prioritize sustainability and compliance with regulations, the industrial segment, especially power generation and oil & gas, is anticipated to experience the most substantial growth in the market.
Study Period
2025-2031Base Year
2024CAGR
7.1%Largest Market
North-AmericaFastest Growing Market
Asia-Pacific
One of the primary drivers of the Water and Wastewater Treatment Market is the growing imposition of stringent environmental regulations by governments and regulatory bodies across the globe. Authorities such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the European Union Water Framework Directive, and various national environmental protection agencies are mandating stricter discharge limits and water quality standards. These regulations compel municipalities and industries to adopt advanced water treatment technologies to ensure compliance. In addition, governments are launching initiatives and funding programs to upgrade aging water infrastructure and promote the reuse of treated wastewater. For instance, several countries have rolled out subsidies for installing energy-efficient water treatment systems and smart water monitoring solutions. Such initiatives not only increase compliance but also enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. The enforcement of these regulations has significantly boosted demand for innovative and effective treatment solutions, thus serving as a strong catalyst for market growth.
Despite the growing need for clean and treated water, the high capital and operational costs associated with water and wastewater treatment infrastructure remain a significant restraint. The installation of advanced treatment facilities such as membrane bioreactors, reverse osmosis systems, and UV disinfection units requires substantial initial investment, which can be challenging for small municipalities or businesses with limited budgets. Additionally, operational costs, including energy consumption, maintenance, skilled labour, and chemical usage, add to the financial burden over time. These economic barriers often deter potential users from adopting state-of-the-art technologies, especially in developing regions where financial resources and technical expertise may be limited. Furthermore, complex regulatory compliance processes and permitting requirements can increase project timelines and administrative costs. As a result, despite the critical importance of water treatment, cost factors continue to hinder the widespread deployment of advanced solutions, thereby limiting the overall growth potential of the market in certain segments.
The rise in demand for decentralized water and wastewater treatment systems presents a substantial growth opportunity for the market. Unlike traditional centralized systems, decentralized treatment solutions can be implemented at the point of use, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness especially in remote or underserved regions. These systems are ideal for small communities, rural settlements, industrial plants, and disaster-affected areas, where centralized infrastructure is either too costly or logistically challenging to deploy. As urban sprawl extends into previously unserved areas and concerns about water scarcity intensify, decentralized systems are becoming increasingly attractive. Moreover, the integration of smart technologies such as IoT-based sensors, automation, and remote monitoring capabilities enhances the performance and reliability of these setups. Governments and non-governmental organizations are also investing in pilot projects to promote decentralized models for sustainable water management. As awareness and demand for localized, off-grid solutions grow, this segment is expected to unlock significant revenue streams for industry players.
A prominent trend shaping the Water and Wastewater Treatment Market is the adoption of smart water technologies driven by the digital transformation of utility operations. These technologies involve the use of sensors, data analytics, AI, and IoT to monitor, manage, and optimize water treatment processes in real-time. Smart systems help utilities detect leaks, monitor water quality parameters, predict maintenance needs, and reduce energy consumption all of which improve operational efficiency and sustainability. For instance, AI-powered predictive maintenance can reduce equipment downtime and extend the lifecycle of treatment assets. Real-time data also empowers utilities to respond more effectively to contamination incidents or demand fluctuations. Additionally, digital twins and cloud-based platforms are increasingly being deployed to simulate and optimize treatment plant performance. As urban infrastructure becomes more connected and digitally enabled, smart water technologies are emerging as a critical differentiator in ensuring resource efficiency, regulatory compliance, and long-term water security.
Report Benchmarks |
Details |
Report Study Period |
2025-2031 |
Market Size in 2024 |
US$ 347.0 billion |
Market Size in 2031 |
US$ 560.9 billion |
Market CAGR |
7.1% |
By Type |
|
By Equipment |
|
By Application |
|
By Region |
|
According to PBI Analyst, the Water & Wastewater Treatment Market is witnessing steady growth, driven by increasing urbanization, industrialization, and stringent environmental regulations. Advanced treatment technologies such as membrane filtration, desalination, and wastewater reuse are becoming increasingly essential to address water scarcity and pollution. The market is also benefiting from a growing emphasis on sustainable water management practices across various industries, including power generation, oil & gas, and chemicals. As the demand for efficient, energy-saving solutions rises, key players are focusing on innovations like smart water systems and energy-efficient technologies. With robust government initiatives and public-private partnerships, the market's future remains promising.
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Water and wastewater treatment market size was valued at US$ 347.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 560.9 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 7.1%. from 2025-2031.
The market key players are: Suez Environment SA 3M Aquatech International Aquatech International LLC Calgon Carbon Corporation DowDuPont Inc. Ecolab Inc. Evoqua Water Technologies IDE Technologies Mott Macdonald Organo Corporation Pentair Plc. Schlumberger Limited Veolia Environment SA Xylem Inc.
Increasing regulatory pressure for water quality and sustainability is driving the growth of the market
Rapid industrialization and population growth in Asia-Pacific are accelerating demand for advanced water and wastewater treatment solutions.
The adoption of smart water management technologies, including IoT and AI-based monitoring systems, is transforming the water treatment sector.
1.Executive Summary |
2.Global Water And Wastewater Treatment Market Introduction |
2.1.Global Water And Wastewater Treatment Market - Taxonomy |
2.2.Global Water And Wastewater Treatment Market - Definitions |
2.2.1.Product Type |
2.2.2.Equipment |
2.2.3.Application |
2.2.4.Region |
3.Global Water And Wastewater Treatment Market Dynamics |
3.1. Drivers |
3.2. Restraints |
3.3. Opportunities/Unmet Needs of the Market |
3.4. Trends |
3.5. Product Landscape |
3.6. New Product Launches |
3.7. Impact of COVID 19 on Market |
4.Global Water And Wastewater Treatment Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 |
4.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
4.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) |
4.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
5.Global Water And Wastewater Treatment Market By Product Type , 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million) |
5.1. Water Treatment |
5.1.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
5.1.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
5.1.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
5.2. Wastewater Treatment |
5.2.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
5.2.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
5.2.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
6.Global Water And Wastewater Treatment Market By Equipment, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million) |
6.1. Filtration Systems |
6.1.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
6.1.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
6.1.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
6.2. Membrane Separation |
6.2.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
6.2.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
6.2.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
6.3. Disinfection Systems |
6.3.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
6.3.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
6.3.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
6.4. Sludge Treatment Equipment |
6.4.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
6.4.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
6.4.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
6.5. Clarifiers & Sedimentation Equipment |
6.5.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
6.5.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
6.5.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
6.6. Pumps & Mixers |
6.6.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
6.6.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
6.6.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
6.7. Others |
6.7.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
6.7.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
6.7.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
7.Global Water And Wastewater Treatment Market By Application, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million) |
7.1. Municipal |
7.1.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
7.1.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
7.1.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
7.2. Industrial |
7.2.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
7.2.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
7.2.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
8.Global Water And Wastewater Treatment Market By Region, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million) |
8.1. North America |
8.1.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
8.1.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
8.1.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
8.2. Europe |
8.2.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
8.2.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
8.2.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
8.3. Asia Pacific (APAC) |
8.3.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
8.3.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
8.3.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
8.4. Middle East and Africa (MEA) |
8.4.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
8.4.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
8.4.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
8.5. Latin America |
8.5.1. Market Analysis, 2020 - 2024 and Forecast, 2025 - 2031, (Sales Value USD Million) |
8.5.2. Year-Over-Year (Y-o-Y) Growth Analysis (%) and Market Share Analysis (%) |
8.5.3. Market Opportunity Analysis |
9.North America Water And Wastewater Treatment Market ,2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million) |
9.1. Product Type Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
9.1.1.Water Treatment |
9.1.2.Wastewater Treatment |
9.2. Equipment Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
9.2.1.Filtration Systems |
9.2.2.Membrane Separation |
9.2.3.Disinfection Systems |
9.2.4.Sludge Treatment Equipment |
9.2.5.Clarifiers & Sedimentation Equipment |
9.2.6.Pumps & Mixers |
9.2.7.Others |
9.3. Application Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
9.3.1.Municipal |
9.3.2.Industrial |
9.4. Country Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
9.4.1.United States of America (USA) |
9.4.2.Canada |
10.Europe Water And Wastewater Treatment Market ,2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million) |
10.1. Product Type Analysis and Forecast by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
10.1.1.Water Treatment |
10.1.2.Wastewater Treatment |
10.2. Equipment Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
10.2.1.Filtration Systems |
10.2.2.Membrane Separation |
10.2.3.Disinfection Systems |
10.2.4.Sludge Treatment Equipment |
10.2.5.Clarifiers & Sedimentation Equipment |
10.2.6.Pumps & Mixers |
10.2.7.Others |
10.3. Application Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
10.3.1.Municipal |
10.3.2.Industrial |
10.4. Country Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
10.4.1.Germany |
10.4.2.France |
10.4.3.Italy |
10.4.4.United Kingdom (UK) |
10.4.5.Spain |
11.Asia Pacific (APAC) Water And Wastewater Treatment Market ,2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million) |
11.1. Product Type Analysis and Forecast by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
11.1.1.Water Treatment |
11.1.2.Wastewater Treatment |
11.2. Equipment Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
11.2.1.Filtration Systems |
11.2.2.Membrane Separation |
11.2.3.Disinfection Systems |
11.2.4.Sludge Treatment Equipment |
11.2.5.Clarifiers & Sedimentation Equipment |
11.2.6.Pumps & Mixers |
11.2.7.Others |
11.3. Application Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
11.3.1.Municipal |
11.3.2.Industrial |
11.4. Country Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
11.4.1.China |
11.4.2.India |
11.4.3.Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) |
11.4.4.Japan |
11.4.5.Rest of APAC |
12.Middle East and Africa (MEA) Water And Wastewater Treatment Market ,2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million) |
12.1. Product Type Analysis and Forecast by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
12.1.1.Water Treatment |
12.1.2.Wastewater Treatment |
12.2. Equipment Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
12.2.1.Filtration Systems |
12.2.2.Membrane Separation |
12.2.3.Disinfection Systems |
12.2.4.Sludge Treatment Equipment |
12.2.5.Clarifiers & Sedimentation Equipment |
12.2.6.Pumps & Mixers |
12.2.7.Others |
12.3. Application Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
12.3.1.Municipal |
12.3.2.Industrial |
12.4. Country Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
12.4.1.GCC Countries |
12.4.2.South Africa |
12.4.3.Rest of MEA |
13.Latin America Water And Wastewater Treatment Market ,2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 (Sales Value USD Million) |
13.1. Product Type Analysis and Forecast by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
13.1.1.Water Treatment |
13.1.2.Wastewater Treatment |
13.2. Equipment Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
13.2.1.Filtration Systems |
13.2.2.Membrane Separation |
13.2.3.Disinfection Systems |
13.2.4.Sludge Treatment Equipment |
13.2.5.Clarifiers & Sedimentation Equipment |
13.2.6.Pumps & Mixers |
13.2.7.Others |
13.3. Application Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
13.3.1.Municipal |
13.3.2.Industrial |
13.4. Country Analysis 2020 - 2024 and Forecast 2025 - 2031 by Sales Value USD Million, Y-o-Y Growth (%), and Market Share (%) |
13.4.1.Brazil |
13.4.2.Mexico |
13.4.3.Rest of LA |
14. Competition Landscape |
14.1. Market Player Profiles (Introduction, Brand/Product Sales, Financial Analysis, Product Offerings, Key Developments, Collaborations, M & A, Strategies, and SWOT Analysis) |
14.2.1.Ecolab |
14.2.2.Veolia North America |
14.2.3.SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions |
14.2.4.Xylem Inc. |
14.2.5.Evoqua Water Technologies |
14.2.6.Aquatech International |
14.2.7.Calgon Carbon Corporation |
14.2.8.Toshiba Water Solutions |
14.2.9.DuPont Water Solutions |
14.2.10.Pentair |
15. Research Methodology |
16. Appendix and Abbreviations |
Key Market Players