Wastewater Treatment System Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Forecast 2032

Wastewater Treatment System Industry Prospective:

The global wastewater treatment system market size was worth around USD 38.27 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 61.33 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 5.38% between 2024 and 2032.

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Wastewater Treatment System Market: Overview

Wastewater treatment systems are used to treat previously used water in a more usable form. Wastewater treatment allows the water to be discharged back into the environment for further use. It is considered a leading form of pollution control. It is also a prominent method of speeding up the natural water purification process. Wastewater treatment is generally divided into two segments: primary and secondary. According to market analysis, the primary method deals with collecting and strategically removing solid waste from water.

Furthermore, the secondary step involves extensive biological purification of wastewater. In some cases, the two steps are sufficient to treat water and assist in the removal of impurities. However, in certain circumstances, an additional step known as advanced wastewater treatment or tertiary treatment may be employed. During the forecast period, the wastewater treatment system industry is expected to witness rapid growth driven by multiple factors.

For instance, the growing demand to reduce water pollution levels worldwide, along with the increasing scarcity of usable water and advancements in wastewater treatment technologies, will help the industry thrive. However, the high cost of treatment systems, limited government regulations concerning water treatment, and lack of awareness may impact the overall revenue.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global wastewater treatment system market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 5.38% over the forecast period (2024-2032)
• In terms of revenue, the global wastewater treatment system market size was valued at around USD 38.27 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 61.33 billion by 2032.
• The wastewater treatment system market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing cases of water-borne diseases among humans and animals.
• Based on type, the equipment segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on application, the municipal segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Europe is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Wastewater Treatment System Market: Growth Drivers

Growing cases of water-borne diseases among humans and animals to drive market demand rate

The global wastewater treatment system market is expected to grow due to the rising cases of water-borne diseases worldwide. According to official reports, the number of living organisms, including humans and animals, affected due to poor water quality has increased rapidly in the last few years. The World Health Organization (WHO) associates polio, typhoid, hepatitis A, dysentery, diarrhea, and cholera with poor sanitation and contaminated water.

Furthermore, most of these conditions are generally observed on a large scale in developing or underprivileged nations. Typhoid fever affects nearly 19 million people worldwide every year, according to official data. In case of absence of effective treatment, some of the conditions can be fatal.

As per 2023 reports submitted by WHO, around 123 cases of deaths between January 2023 and August 2023 were associated with suspected cholera. Wastewater treatment procedures and technologies are crucial in such cases to prevent the spread of deadly diseases that not only impact human lives but also affect the overall ecological systems.

In October 2024, reports emerged suggesting that the growing concerns over the global water crisis have put 50% of food production strength worldwide at risk in the coming 25 years. Urgent measures are required to protect existing freshwater reserves and promote more effective wastewater management tools.

Rising rate of urbanization and industrialization subsequently causes more revenue in the industry

The two major factors influencing the increasing demand for water consumption worldwide are the increased rates of urbanization and industrialization. With the rise in the number of urban areas, the demand for water supply for washing, cleaning, and drinking has increased. In addition to this, water is an essential resource across several industrial processes.

For instance, an average semiconductor manufacturing facility uses nearly 10.01 million gallons of water per day. The rising investments in the semiconductor production sector are expected to drive demand for water. However, these activities also generate large amounts of wastewater, which must be treated to reduce pressure on freshwater bodies for further supply. Thus, the demand for wastewater treatment systems in the global market is expected to grow during the forecast period.

Wastewater Treatment System Market: Restraints

High cost of technology and infrastructure to limit the industry’s growth rate

The global industry for wastewater treatment systems is expected to be restricted due to the high cost of the technologies and infrastructure required for the industry’s overall functioning. Wastewater treatment technologies are custom-made and highly complex.

For instance, an average system for treating wastewater requires a series of chemical additions and reactors, oil & waste separators, and an advanced filtration process. Small-scale industrial systems can range between USD 50,000 and USD 100,000, depending on the final features of the technology.

Wastewater Treatment System Market: Opportunities

Rising launch of new technologies with higher efficiency will generate growth opportunities

The global wastewater treatment system market is projected to generate growth opportunities due to the increasing launch of new solutions offering extensive functionalities. Companies providing water treatment solutions are incorporating advanced methods to reduce overall operational costs without compromising the quality of final results.

For instance, a company named Epic Cleantec is a leading provider of distributed wastewater treatment, especially serving large-scale residential and commercial buildings. The solutions offered by the company can recycle nearly 95% of wastewater, including gray water and black water.

On the other hand, Evolve, another prominent player in the market, has launched a novel membrane that basically counters the challenges associated with conventionally used membranes. The company has utilized sophisticated additive manufacturing and materials science solutions to develop cutting-edge membrane systems. BioFiltro is currently working with the patented Biodynamic Aerobic (BIDA) technology that leverages the digestive functions of microbes and worms to remove up to 99% of contaminants in wastewater in a few hours.

Wastewater Treatment System Market: Challenges

Lack of skilled workforce and regulatory complexities to challenge market expansion trends

The global wastewater treatment system industry is projected to be challenged by the lack of a skilled workforce. The limited availability of industry experts, along with regulatory complications, will further inhibit the industry’s overall revenue. For instance, emerging or underprivileged nations do not have concrete action plans and implementation policies for wastewater treatment. Additionally, the energy-intensive characteristics of wastewater treatment solutions will contribute to the industry’s limited expansion.

Wastewater Treatment System Market: Report Scope

Wastewater Treatment System Market: Segmentation

The global wastewater treatment system market is segmented based on type, application, and region.

Based on type, the global market divisions are services, equipment, and chemicals. In 2023, the highest growth was listed in the equipment segment. It deals with the development, production, and sale of the most critical components required for the proper functioning of wastewater treatment solutions. The segment is dominated by commonly used equipment such as pumps, aerators, membrane filtration systems, clarifiers, and sludge dewatering machines. The growing need for advanced equipment that improves wastewater treatment procedures will help the segment thrive. The average cost of residential-scale wastewater treatment equipment is around USD 2000 to USD 30,000.

Based on application, the global wastewater treatment system industry divisions are industrial, municipal, and others. In 2023, the highest growth was listed in the municipal segment. The surge in the number of projects undertaken by regional municipal corporations is expected to assist in segmental revenue during the projection period. The industrial segment is one of the most significant revenue generators due to the increased demand for water supply for industrial applications. In the US, around 5.01% of total water withdrawals are linked to industrial consumption.

Wastewater Treatment System Market: Regional Analysis

Europe to continue leading the market during the forecast period

The global wastewater treatment system market will be led by Europe during the forecast period. Countries such as Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Denmark consistently ranked as leading nations in terms of employing wastewater treatment technologies. The presence of a strict regulatory environment concerning the treatment of used water from residential, commercial, and industrial sectors is helping the region thrive.

In March 2024, the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), a European entity responsible for managing health emergencies in the region, announced the launch of GLOWACON. It is a global consortium for wastewater and environment surveillance for public health. HERA has partnered with the Joint Research Center (JRC) of the European Commission for the new project.

In addition, in September 2024, WATER-MINING, a Europe-funded project focused on developing sustainable water management, announced the launch of WATER-MINING Marketplace. It is a digital platform connecting potential end-users of materials recovered from desalination plants and wastewater streams with wastewater owners. Additionally, European countries are dominated by strict policies surrounding the appropriate use of water and efficient wastewater management systems applicable to commercial, residential, or industrial property owners.

Wastewater Treatment System Market: Competitive Analysis

The global wastewater treatment system market is led by players like:

• Ecologix Environmental Systems
• Veolia Environment
• Gross-Wen Technologies
• Aquatech International
• Cambrian Innovation
• Evoqua Water Technologies
• Aquagga
• Ecolab
• CDM Smith
• SUEZ
• Calgon Carbon
• ECO2MIX Inc.
• Xylem Inc.
• Aclarity
• American Water Works

The global wastewater treatment system market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Services
• Equipment
• Chemicals

By Application

• Industrial
• Municipal
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa