Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Market Research Report: Forecast (2025-2030)

Market Definition

The process of purifying and cleaning water and wastewater involves the removal of dirt and various contaminants, such as toxic chemicals, human and animal waste, pesticides, agricultural waste, metals, salts, and microorganisms like bacteria and parasites. This process ensures that the water is safe enough for drinking and domestic use, while also reducing environmental impact when released. The treatment process consists of several stages, including pre-treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment, and tertiary treatment.

Market Insights & Analysis:  Global Water & Wastewater Treatment Market (2025-30):

The Global Water & Wastewater Treatment Market size was valued at USD 93.56 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of around 5.36% during the forecast period, i.e., 2025-30. Around the world, the incidence of waterborne diseases, including diarrheal diseases, cholera, shigellosis, typhoid, and hepatitis A and E, has been escalating at alarming rates. Also, deaths due to these diseases has been in significant numbers. This has been largely due to the consumption of drinking water contaminated with human waste, animal waste, chemicals, pesticides, fertilizers, heavy metals, and salts, which result from agricultural practices, urbanization, sewage disposal, and industrial activities.

*Boost strategic growth with in-depth market analysis - Get a free sample preview today!

For instance, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), as compared to 2022, in 2023, the number of reported cholera cases increased by 13% and deaths by 71% globally. Further, the issue is particularly concerning in rural areas of countries like India and various regions in Africa due to limited access to clean water sources, inadequate sanitation facilities, etc. In response, major organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization, along with national governments, have been taking essential steps. These include investing in the procurement of newer and more advanced water treatment technologies and constructing new water & wastewater treatment facilities. Consequently, the market has been registering positive growth.

Further, textile production is increasing globally due to rising demand for clothing, particularly in emerging economies. Factors contributing to this demand include increasing urbanization, growing disposable income, and a shift toward more fashionable clothing. For instance, according to the European Parliament, global textile production rose from 58 million tonnes in 2000 to 109 million tonnes in 2020, with expectations that it will reach 145 million tonnes by 2030. However, textile production is associated with significant water consumption where a single cotton t-shirt requires around 2,700 liters of fresh water. Additionally, the European Parliament estimates that textile production is responsible for approximately 20% of global clean water pollution from dyeing and finishing processes. Therefore, it has become essential for companies involved in textile production to invest in wastewater treatment to reduce wastewater emissions. As the focus on sustainability increases, this trend is expected to drive overall market growth. For example, in 2021, The Lenzing Group, a leading provider of wood-based specialty fibers for the textile and nonwoven industries, announced plans to build a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant at its site in Grimsby, UK, with an investment of USD 26.3 million aimed at reducing wastewater emissions by 2022.

Global Water & Wastewater Treatment Market Driver:

Stringent Regulations and Guidelines About Water & Wastewater Treatment– Globally, in countries such as the US, UK, China, Germany, Canada, Singapore, and many others, governing bodies—including the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), and the German Association for Water, Wastewater, and Waste—have implemented stringent regulations and guidelines regarding the proper treatment of water and wastewater. These measures aim to protect public health by ensuring access to clean drinking water, preventing waterborne diseases, and managing water pollution. For instance, acts such as the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) ensure that contaminant levels remain within established standards. Additionally, concerns over depleting water reserves, droughts, and rising per capita water consumption have led authorities to impose strict guidelines for water and wastewater treatment. As a result of these stringent regulations, the market for water and wastewater treatment has been witnessing significant revenue trends necessitating industries and municipal bodies to invest adequately in water and wastewater treatment.

Furthermore, many water and wastewater treatment infrastructures in countries such as the US, UK, and Germany were built between 1980 and 2010, with some even dating back to World War II. These facilities are now deteriorating and outdated. In response, authorities have been developing acts and policies aimed at upgrading these infrastructures, which will require significant investment. This focus on improvement is expected to positively impact the overall market for water and wastewater treatment. For example, in 2021, the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act was passed, authorizing USD35 billion in new investments for water infrastructure by the US Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Global Water & Wastewater Treatment Market Challenge:

High Capital Investment– The substantial investment required to establish water treatment plants presents a significant challenge for the global water and wastewater treatment market. Constructing and upgrading water treatment facilities demand considerable capital investments, which deter municipalities and industries, particularly in regions with limited financial resources. Moreover, the operational expenses, including the cost of chemicals, energy, and maintenance, further strain budgets and limit the efficient operations of government and municipal authorities. The high cost of advanced treatment technologies also hinders their widespread adoption, especially in developing regions. Additionally, fluctuating prices of raw materials exacerbate these cost challenges, disrupting budget planning and project execution. These financial barriers lead to delays in implementing essential water treatment projects, negatively impacting water quality and supply efficiency, and consequently affecting the water and wastewater treatment market.

Global Water Wastewater Treatment Market (2025-30): Segmentation Analysis

The Global Water Wastewater Treatment Market study of MarkNtel Advisors evaluates & highlights the major trends and influencing factors in each segment. It includes predictions for the period 2025–2030 at the regional level. Based on the analysis, the market has been further classified as:

Based on Treatment Type:

• Industrial
  • Industrial Water
  • Industrial Wastewater
• Municipal
  • Municipal Water
  • Municipal Wastewater

Among these, the Municipal category is growing at a significant growth rate and is expected to grow further during the forecast period. The primary factors driving the demand for water treatment in municipalities include the lack of safe drinking water, rising public health concerns, and urbanization. According to UNESCO, as of 2022, 2.2 billion people lacked access to safely managed drinking water. In the municipal sector, water and wastewater treatment equipment is essential for delivering clean drinking water and ensuring proper wastewater management for urban populations. Municipalities rely on the systems to meet regulatory standards, protect public health, and address environmental concerns. Increasing urbanization and population growth drive the adoption of advanced technologies like membrane filtration, UV disinfection, and biological treatment. Consequently, this increases the demand for water treatment technology within these municipalities.

Based on Treatment Technology:

• Water Treatment (Industrial & Municipal)
  • Clarification
  • Filtration
  • Membrane
    • Reverse Osmosis (RO)
    • Ultra Filtration (UF)
    • Micro Filtration (MF)
    • Nano Filtration (NF)
  • Disinfection
    • Chlorine
    • UV
    • Ozone
  • Disinfection
• Wastewater Treatment (Industrial & Municipal)
  • Pre-Treatment
    • Screening
    • Grit Removal
    • Sedimentation
    • DAF
    • Others
  • Primary Treatment
    • Classification
    • Coagulation & Flocculation
  • Secondary Treatment
    • Activated Secondary Treatment
    • Trickling Filters
    • Rotating Biological Contractors (RBC)
    • Membrane Bioreactors (MBR)
    • Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)
    • Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB)
    • Aerated Lagoons
  • Tertiary Treatment
    • Disinfection
      • UV
      • Ozone
      • Chlorine
    • Membrane
      • Reverse Osmosis (RO)
      • Ultra Filtration (UF)
      • Micro Filtration (MF)
      • Nano Filtration (NF)
    • Advanced Oxidation Process
    •  Filtration
      • Sand Filters
      • Activated Carbon Filters
      • Others

Among these, the wastewater treatment technologies category holds the largest market share and is expected to hold its position over the forecast period. The increasing need for industrial wastewater treatment is fueling the demand for pretreatment, primary treatment, and tertiary treatment technologies, as industrial waste poses health hazards and requires proper cleaning through advanced technologies. According to UN-Water, globally, only 8.293 billion m³ of industrial wastewater was treated in 2024, compared to 4.296 billion m³ in 2015. Additionally, various organizations are introducing guidelines and rules for wastewater treatment. For instance, in 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched new guidance on Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance (WES), which includes pathogen-specific summaries and prioritization for effective implementation. These factors are driving the demand for wastewater treatment technologies to meet the growing needs.

Global Water Wastewater Treatment Market (2025-30): Regional Projections

Geographically, Global Water Wastewater Treatment Market expands across:

• North America
• South America
• Europe
• The Middle East & Africa
• Asia-Pacific

Among these, North America holds the largest market share of the global water wastewater treatment market in 2024. The region is characterized by advanced infrastructure, stringent environmental regulations, and a high level of awareness regarding water quality and conservation. The demand for water and wastewater treatment solutions in the region is driven by factors such as diminishing freshwater supplies and the need to comply with regulatory standards. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), climate change impacts freshwater resources in the US by increasing runoff and harmful algal blooms, reducing water availability, affecting agricultural water supplies, depleting groundwater, and threatening aging water infrastructure. Additionally, the growth in demand is associated with the high need for treated water from the beverage and pharmaceutical industries. These factors collectively drive the increasing demand for water and wastewater treatment technologies in North America.

Gain a Competitive Edge with Our Global Water & Wastewater Treatment Market. Report

1. The Global Water & Wastewater Treatment Market Report by MarkNtel Advisors provides a detailed & thorough analysis of market size & share, growth rate, competitive landscape, and key players. This comprehensive analysis helps businesses gain a holistic understanding of the market dynamics & make informed decisions.
2. This report also highlights current market trends & future projections, allowing businesses to identify emerging opportunities & potential challenges. By understanding market forecasts, companies can align their strategies & stay ahead of the competition.
3. The Global Water & Wastewater Treatment Market Report aids in assessing & mitigating risks associated with entering or operating in the market. By understanding market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and potential challenges, businesses can develop strategies to minimize risks & optimize their operations.

*Reports Delivery Format - Market research studies from MarkNtel Advisors are offered in PDF, Excel and PowerPoint formats. Within 24 hours of the payment being successfully received, the report will be sent to your email address.