Global Wastewater Treatment System Market 2025–2034

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by the CMI Team, the global Wastewater Treatment System Market is expected to record a CAGR of 6% from 2023 to 2032. In 2022, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 109.5 Billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 196.5 Billion.

The Wastewater Treatment System market refers to the industry involved in the design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of systems that treat wastewater to remove pollutants and contaminants before releasing it back into the environment or reusing it for various purposes.

The primary objective of wastewater treatment is to protect human health and the environment by reducing the harmful effects of pollutants on water bodies, soil, and groundwater.

Wastewater treatment systems are essential for managing and treating various types of wastewater, including domestic sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff. The treatment process involves physical, chemical, and biological methods to remove solids, organic matter, nutrients, pathogens, and harmful chemicals from the water.

Key components and processes in a wastewater treatment system may include:

• Preliminary Treatment: Screening and grit removal to remove large objects and debris.

• Primary Treatment: Sedimentation to separate solids and oils from the wastewater.

• Secondary Treatment: Biological processes to break down organic matter through the action of microorganisms.

• Tertiary Treatment: Advanced processes such as filtration, chemical treatment, and disinfection to further purify the water.

• Sludge Treatment: Processing and dewatering of the solid residue (sludge) generated during the treatment process.

The global wastewater treatment system market has witnessed significant growth in recent years due to increasing environmental concerns, stringent regulations, population growth, urbanization, and industrialization. Governments and regulatory bodies around the world are enforcing stricter standards for wastewater discharge, leading to a higher demand for advanced treatment technologies and solutions.

Wastewater Treatment System Market Growth Factors

• Growing Environmental Concerns: Increasing awareness about the impact of untreated wastewater on the environment has led to stricter environmental regulations and a greater emphasis on sustainable practices. This has spurred the demand for effective wastewater treatment systems to ensure the protection of water bodies and ecosystems.

• Population Growth and Urbanization: Rapid population growth and urbanization result in higher volumes of wastewater generation, especially in urban areas. As cities expand, there is a greater need for efficient and scalable wastewater treatment solutions to manage the increasing wastewater load.

• Industrialization and Economic Growth: Industrial activities generate large quantities of wastewater containing complex and hazardous pollutants. The growth of industrial sectors, such as manufacturing, chemical processing, and food production, has contributed to the need for specialized wastewater treatment systems tailored to handle industrial effluents.

• Water Scarcity and Water Reuse: Water scarcity is becoming a pressing issue in many regions, prompting the need for water reuse and recycling. Wastewater treatment systems that enable the safe and efficient reuse of treated wastewater for non-potable applications like irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater recharge have gained traction.

• Technological Advancements: Advances in wastewater treatment technologies have resulted in more efficient, cost-effective, and energy-efficient treatment processes. Innovations such as membrane filtration, advanced oxidation, and nutrient removal technologies have driven the adoption of modern wastewater treatment systems.

• Government Initiatives and Incentives: Governments worldwide are promoting sustainable wastewater management practices through financial incentives, tax benefits, and subsidies for adopting advanced wastewater treatment technologies. This regulatory support has encouraged industries and municipalities to invest in upgraded wastewater treatment systems.

• Public Health Concerns: Proper wastewater treatment is critical to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and protect public health. The emphasis on maintaining safe and clean water sources has boosted the demand for wastewater treatment systems that can effectively remove pathogens and harmful contaminants.

• Investment in Infrastructure: Increasing investment in water infrastructure projects, especially in developing economies, has led to the expansion and modernization of wastewater treatment facilities, driving market growth.

• Decentralized Wastewater Treatment: The adoption of decentralized wastewater treatment systems has gained popularity, especially in rural and remote areas, where centralized treatment may not be feasible. Decentralized systems offer cost-effective and efficient solutions for localized wastewater treatment.

Wastewater Treatment System Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

• Suez and Veolia: In April 2021, Veolia made a bid to acquire Suez, one of the world’s leading water and wastewater management companies. This proposed acquisition aimed to create a global leader in environmental services and solutions, including wastewater treatment.

• Xylem and Pure Technologies: In 2018, Xylem, a water technology company, acquired Pure Technologies, a leader in advanced technologies for the inspection, monitoring, and management of water and wastewater pipelines. This acquisition allowed Xylem to strengthen its portfolio of smart water solutions.

• Evoqua Water Technologies and ADI Systems: In 2018, Evoqua Water Technologies acquired ADI Systems, a provider of industrial wastewater treatment systems. The acquisition expanded Evoqua’s industrial wastewater treatment capabilities, offering comprehensive solutions to various industrial sectors.

• DuPont Water Solutions and Evoqua Water Technologies: In 2019, Evoqua Water Technologies acquired the Memcor® product line from DuPont Water Solutions. The acquisition expanded Evoqua’s membrane filtration offerings, enabling the company to provide a broader range of wastewater treatment solutions.

• Kurita Water Industries and U.S. Water Services: In 2019, Kurita Water Industries, a leading water treatment company based in Japan, acquired U.S. Water Services, a provider of integrated water and process solutions. The acquisition allowed Kurita to strengthen its position in the North American market and expand its industrial water and wastewater treatment services.

• Aquatech International and Wigen Water Technologies: In 2020, Aquatech International, a water and wastewater treatment solutions provider, acquired Wigen Water Technologies, a provider of engineered solutions for water treatment, including wastewater. The acquisition aimed to enhance Aquatech’s capabilities in the industrial water and wastewater treatment market.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

Wastewater Treatment System Market Significant Threats

• Aging Infrastructure: Many existing wastewater treatment facilities around the world are aging and may require significant upgrades or replacements. Aging infrastructure can lead to operational inefficiencies, increased maintenance costs, and potential disruptions in service.

• Lack of Funding: Adequate funding is crucial for the development and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems. However, budget constraints or competing priorities in government budgets can hinder investments in wastewater infrastructure, leading to delays in upgrades and expansions.

• Regulatory Compliance and Stringent Standards: As environmental regulations become more stringent, wastewater treatment facilities must continuously adapt to meet new standards. Compliance with evolving regulations can be costly and challenging, especially for smaller treatment plants.

• Water Scarcity: In regions experiencing water scarcity, wastewater treatment and reuse become essential for sustainable water management. However, resistance to the use of treated wastewater for non-potable purposes due to public perception or lack of proper infrastructure can impede progress.

• Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events: Climate change can exacerbate the impact of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, affecting the capacity and resilience of wastewater treatment systems. Infrastructure damage from extreme weather events can disrupt wastewater treatment processes.

• Emergence of New Contaminants: Emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and chemicals not typically regulated in wastewater, pose challenges for conventional treatment methods. Developing effective treatment solutions for these contaminants is a significant concern.

• Technological and Cybersecurity Risks: Advancements in automation and digitalization can improve the efficiency of wastewater treatment systems. However, reliance on technology also introduces the risk of cyber threats and potential disruptions to critical operations.

• Energy Consumption and Operational Costs: Wastewater treatment is energy-intensive, and rising energy costs can impact the operational expenses of treatment facilities. Implementing energy-efficient technologies can help mitigate this threat.

• Public Perception and NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) Opposition: Local opposition to the construction or expansion of wastewater treatment facilities can delay projects, especially in residential areas, due to concerns about odor, noise, and potential property value impacts.

• Lack of Skilled Workforce: The wastewater industry faces challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled operators and technicians, leading to potential knowledge gaps and decreased operational efficiency.

Report Scope

Category-Wise Insights

Based on Application:

In 2023, the municipal application segment emerged as the market leader, contributing to 67.9% of the total global revenue share in the wastewater treatment system market. The significant demand for wastewater treatment systems in developing economies like China and India can be attributed to the rapid growth of urban populations, increased investments in infrastructure, and supportive government policies.

Over the forecast period, the industrial application segment is projected to exhibit substantial growth, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. This growth is primarily driven by the escalating need for both fresh and processed water due to rapid urbanization, advancements in technology, and the rising number of production units in various industries. These factors are expected to fuel the expansion of the industrial application segment in the wastewater treatment system market.

Based on Process by Equipment:

In 2023, the tertiary treatment segment was the dominant force in the market, accounting for 45.0% of the total revenue share in the wastewater treatment system industry. Over the forecast period, the tertiary treatment segment is expected to exhibit the fastest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.9%.

Water and wastewater treatment equipment play a crucial role in managing and treating wastewater to ensure its safety for discharge into the environment or for reuse. The treatment process involves multiple steps, each requiring specific equipment and processes.

During the primary treatment process, specialized equipment like primary clarifiers, oil-water separators, and dissolved air flotation systems are utilized to remove organic and inorganic solids from the wastewater. This step is essential to prevent clogging and safeguard downstream equipment from potential damage throughout the treatment process.

Wastewater Treatment System Market Regional Analysis

• North America: North America was a mature market for wastewater treatment systems, driven by stringent environmental regulations and a focus on sustainable practices. The United States and Canada had well-established wastewater treatment infrastructure, with a growing emphasis on advanced technologies and water reuse solutions.

• Europe: Europe was another significant market for wastewater treatment systems, characterized by a high level of environmental consciousness and strong regulatory frameworks. Countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands had well-developed wastewater treatment infrastructure and a proactive approach towards sustainable water management.

• Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific region was witnessing substantial growth in the wastewater treatment system market, driven by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and increasing environmental concerns. Countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea were investing in upgrading and expanding their wastewater treatment facilities to cope with the escalating demand for clean water and comply with stringent regulations.

• Latin America: The wastewater treatment system market in Latin America was also growing steadily, driven by population growth, urbanization, and a focus on improving environmental standards. Countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina were investing in wastewater infrastructure to address water pollution issues and expand access to safe water resources.

List of the prominent players in the Wastewater Treatment System Market:

• Xylem Inc.
• Pentair plc.
• Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
• Aquatech International LLC
• Ecolab Inc.
• DuPont
• Calgon Carbon Corporation
• Toshiba Water Solutions Private Limited (TOSHIBA CORPORATION)
• Veolia Group
• Ecologix Environmental Systems LLC
• Evonik Industries AG
• Parkson Corporation
• Lenntech B.V.
• Samco Technologies Inc.
• Koch Membrane Systems Inc
• General Electric
• Ovivo
• Others

The Wastewater Treatment System Market is segmented as follows:

By Application

• Municipal
• Industrial

Process By Equipment

• Primary Treatment
  • Primary Clarifier
  • Sludge Removal
  • Grit Removal
  • Pre-Treatment
  • Others
• Secondary Treatment
  • Activated Sludge
  • Sludge Treatment
  • Others
• Tertiary Treatment
  • Tertiary Clarifier
  • Filters
  • Chlorination Systems
  • Others

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America