Authored By: Sarah
28 Jan 2025

Wastewater Treatment Service Market Outlook 2024-2028: Key Trends, Drivers, and Regional Insights

The global wastewater treatment service market is poised for substantial growth, with a projected increase of USD 27.11 billion by 2028, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.44% from 2023 to 2028. This growth is largely driven by evolving environmental regulations focused on sustainability, pollution control, and the increasing demand for water reuse in industrial applications. As industries continue to grow and the world faces greater water scarcity challenges, the wastewater treatment service market is undergoing significant transformations, with innovation in water management technologies taking center stage.

Global wastewater treatment service market 2024-2028

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Market Segmentation and Insights

The wastewater treatment service market is categorized into various segments based on end-users, service types, and geographic regions. Below is a detailed breakdown of these segments:

End-user Outlook

The market is witnessing growing demand across several industries that generate significant wastewater. Key end-user segments include:

  • Chemical and Pharmaceutical: This segment holds a notable share in the wastewater treatment market. Pharmaceutical wastewater is highly complex, characterized by high toxicity, fluctuating quantities, and a high sulfate concentration. Treatment of such wastewater is crucial due to stringent government regulations. This segment was valued at USD 14.81 billion in 2018 and is expected to grow significantly in the forecast period.

  • Food, Pulp, and Paper: The food and paper industries require extensive water treatment services due to the high volume of wastewater generated during their manufacturing processes.

  • Oil and Gas: This sector's contribution to wastewater generation is substantial, requiring advanced treatment technologies to manage contaminants in wastewater.

  • Metals and Mining: Wastewater from these industries often contains heavy metals, necessitating specialized treatment systems.

  • Others

Type Outlook

The market's service offerings are segmented as follows:

  • Design and Engineering Consultation: This service helps industries plan and design customized wastewater treatment systems.

  • Building and Installation Services: Includes the setup of wastewater treatment systems across various industrial settings.

  • Operation and Process Control: Ensures the efficient operation of installed systems.

  • Maintenance Services: These services are critical for prolonging the lifespan and efficiency of wastewater treatment plants.

 

Region Outlook 

  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • The U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
  • South America
    • Chile
    • Brazil
    • Argentina

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Key Market Drivers and Trends

Rapid Industrialization

Rapid industrialization, especially in emerging economies, is a significant driver for the growth of the wastewater treatment service market. As industries expand, the demand for water increases, and wastewater generation becomes a critical concern. The need for advanced treatment systems is being driven by industries such as construction, mining, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. The increasing urban population, combined with growing industrial activity, is placing greater stress on water resources, leading to heightened demand for treatment services.

Water Reuse and Recycling

A major market trend is the rising demand for water reuse, driven by depleting freshwater resources and rising water treatment costs. With climate change exacerbating water shortages, industries are increasingly adopting water recycling and reuse practices. Governments are also implementing stricter regulations around wastewater reuse, spurring the adoption of advanced treatment technologies. This shift from treatment and disposal to recycling and resource recovery is expected to drive market growth.

Technological Advancements

The adoption of advanced technologies such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and dissolved air flotation (DAF) is enhancing the efficiency of wastewater treatment services. Reverse osmosis, along with membrane filtration technologies, plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with stringent discharge regulations in industries such as pulp and paper.

Challenges Impacting the Market

One of the major challenges in the wastewater treatment service market is the impact of hard water on treatment equipment. Hard water, containing high concentrations of calcium and magnesium ions, can lead to scaling on membranes in treatment systems, reducing efficiency and increasing operational and maintenance costs. This issue of membrane fouling is particularly prevalent in reverse osmosis systems and requires frequent backwashing and membrane replacement, adding to the overall cost of water treatment services.

Major Market Players

The competitive landscape in the wastewater treatment service market is marked by key players implementing strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, and product innovations to strengthen their positions. Notable market players include:

  • Apex Co. LLC.
  • Aries Chemical Inc.
  • Cortec Corp.
  • Eckstine Electric Co.
  • Ecolab Inc.
  • Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
  • Feralco AB
  • Hydrite Chemical Co.
  • Italmatch Chemicals Spa
  • Rockwell Automation Inc.
  • Skanska AB
  • Solenis
  • SUEZ SA
  • The York Water Co.
  • Thermax Ltd.
  • Veolia Environnement SA
  • VA TECH WABAG LTD.
  • WOG Group
  • WSP Global Inc.
  • Xylem Inc.

These companies are contributing to the market's growth by developing innovative wastewater treatment technologies, including membrane filtration and reverse osmosis solutions, to cater to both industrial and municipal needs.

As the global demand for sustainable water management solutions continues to rise, the wastewater treatment service market is expected to evolve with new technologies, regulations, and strategic initiatives. The industry's focus on recycling, resource recovery, and water reuse ensures that this sector will remain at the forefront of global environmental efforts.

Recent Market Developments

  1. August 2024 – SUEZ SA announced a new collaboration with local authorities in South Africa to expand the wastewater treatment infrastructure, focusing on water reuse and sustainability.

  2. July 2024 – Evoqua Water Technologies launched an advanced filtration system aimed at improving the efficiency of wastewater treatment in the pharmaceutical sector, targeting the growing demand for effective wastewater solutions.

  3. June 2024 – Ecolab Inc. expanded its operations in Brazil, introducing cutting-edge water treatment services to meet the needs of the country’s rapidly growing industrial sectors, including oil and gas and food processing.

  4. May 2024 – Thermax Ltd. entered into a strategic partnership with a key player in the chemical industry to offer integrated wastewater treatment solutions that focus on water reuse and recycling.

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