Advanced Water Purification Technologies
Global Water and Wastewater Treatment Technologies Market Outlook
New York, NY – August 07, 2025 – The worldwide market for water and wastewater treatment technologies is experiencing significant expansion, projected to nearly double in value over the next decade. Industry estimates suggest that the market will rise from USD 71.3 billion in 2024 to approximately USD 131.3 billion by 2034, growing at a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% between 2025 and 2034.
The Asia-Pacific region is currently at the forefront of this growth, supported by heavy infrastructure investments, rapid industrialization, and large urban populations in need of modern water management systems. By 2024, the region had already reached a market value of USD 29.8 billion, reflecting its dominant role in driving global demand.
Importance of Water and Wastewater Treatment Technologies
Water treatment technologies are essential to ensure that water is safe for human consumption, agricultural use, and industrial processes, while wastewater treatment systems protect the environment by cleaning used water before it is discharged. These systems combine physical, chemical, and biological processes such as:
Filtration and sedimentation for removing suspended solids.
Ultraviolet disinfection and reverse osmosis for eliminating harmful pathogens and dissolved salts.
Biological digestion to break down organic matter.
The versatility of these technologies allows them to serve applications ranging from municipal sewage treatment to industrial wastewater management, as well as reuse systems for irrigation and even potable water supply.
Key Drivers of Market Growth
A major reason behind the expansion of this market is the growing global concern over water scarcity. Despite Earth’s vast water coverage, less than 0.5% of its water resources are readily accessible and usable for human needs. Rising urban populations, rapid industrial development, and outdated water infrastructure are placing increasing pressure on available resources, making investments in treatment technologies not just necessary but urgent.
Governments worldwide are responding with large-scale funding programs to strengthen water infrastructure. Significant financial packages have been allocated for upgrading wastewater facilities, building new treatment plants, and ensuring compliance with stricter environmental regulations. These efforts are ensuring that both public health standards and sustainability targets are met.
Market Segmentation Insights
By Type
Suspended solids removal accounted for 38.2% of the global market in 2024. This stage plays a crucial role by filtering out particulate matter such as silt, organic debris, and industrial residues. Without this step, advanced processes like biological treatment or disinfection would not function efficiently.
By Process
Secondary treatment methods, which use biological and chemical processes to break down pollutants, represented 39.4% of the market share in 2024. This dominance highlights the global push to adopt processes such as activated sludge systems, trickling filters, and bio-towers, all of which are designed to meet strict discharge standards.
By End-user
The municipal sector led with a commanding 67.9% market share in 2024. This leadership is largely due to rising urban populations and the need to modernize aging public water systems. Municipalities are investing heavily in advanced treatment facilities to manage both water supply and wastewater challenges.
Regional Overview
Asia-Pacific: Dominated the global market with a 41.8% share in 2024. Countries such as China and India are investing massively in infrastructure projects to support growing urban populations and expanding industries.
North America: Growth is driven by strict environmental regulations that emphasize water reuse, pollution reduction, and sustainable resource management.
Europe: Benefiting from the EU Water Framework Directive, which pushes for sustainable water use and compliance with stringent standards.
Middle East & Africa: Advancing steadily, especially in water-scarce regions where wastewater reuse is vital for agricultural and municipal supply.
Latin America: Countries such as Brazil and Mexico are investing in modern treatment facilities to keep up with rising urban demand and environmental requirements.
Use Cases & Emerging Applications
Wastewater Recycling for Potable Supply: Advanced processes like microfiltration and reverse osmosis are transforming sewage into safe drinking water, reducing dependence on external sources.
Industrial Water Reuse: Closed-loop systems in industries such as food processing and oil & gas cut freshwater use and operating costs.
Agricultural Irrigation: Treated wastewater is being reused for irrigation, supporting food security while conserving freshwater.
Decentralized & Mobile Units: Solar-powered, containerized treatment systems are helping rural and disaster-hit areas access potable water.
Micropollutant Removal: Hospitals and industrial facilities are adopting advanced oxidation processes to remove pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, and pesticides.
Smart Monitoring & AI Control: IoT-enabled sensors and AI-driven predictive analytics are optimizing energy use, reducing costs, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Recent Industry Developments
Black & Veatch: Engineering major upgrades at Miami Dade treatment plants under an $8.6 billion improvement plan, focusing on biological treatment, disinfection, and energy recovery.
Veolia: Secured over $750 million in contracts across multiple countries and completed a $1.75 billion acquisition to expand its U.S. footprint.
Thermax Limited: Launched a solar-powered treatment facility in India, emphasizing renewable energy integration in water management.
Kurita Water Industries: Introduced modular wastewater solutions in Japan, focusing on cost reduction, IoT-enabled maintenance, and sustainability.
Conclusion
The global Water and Wastewater Treatment Technologies Market is on a clear path of accelerated growth, fueled by water scarcity challenges, rising urbanization, industrial expansion, and tightening environmental regulations. Municipal sectors will continue to lead demand, while industrial players look for efficient and cost-effective solutions.
The integration of smart technologies, renewable-powered plants, and advanced treatment systems reflects a market that is not just expanding but also evolving. Looking ahead, the sector is expected to play a central role in shaping a sustainable water future, ensuring both environmental protection and secure access to clean water worldwide.