Industrial growth, ZLD strategies, and Asia-Pacific momentum drive market demand
The global wastewater treatment services market is expected to surge from USD 55.9 billion in 2022 to USD 80.4 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% between 2023 and 2028. This growth is being driven by a rising emphasis on environmental compliance, rapid industrialization, and increasing water scarcity concerns across both developed and emerging economies.
Wastewater treatment plays a vital role in removing contaminants from used water before it is reintroduced into the environment or reused in industrial processes. The treatment process typically involves chemical, physical, and biological operations — including chemical dosing, settling, filtration, and evaporation — all tailored to the specific demands of the end-user sector.
A significant portion of the demand stems from industries such as chemical and pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, pulp and paper, mining, and textiles. Each of these industries generates unique wastewater streams that require customized treatment solutions. The textile sector, in particular, is a notable contributor to industrial wastewater, due to high water usage and dye effluent discharge.
One of the key drivers of growth is the adoption of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems. ZLD technologies are gaining traction worldwide due to stricter regulations and growing environmental awareness. These systems are designed to eliminate liquid waste entirely, ensuring that all water is either reused or evaporated, leaving behind only solid waste. Although ZLD systems are capital- and energy-intensive, countries like India, China, and Australia are increasingly investing in such technologies to support water conservation initiatives.
Municipal wastewater treatment also remains a substantial segment, with urban population growth driving demand for upgraded treatment infrastructure. The World Health Organization reports that many healthcare facilities in developing countries still lack essential water treatment, sanitation, and waste management services, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced municipal systems.
Regionally, the Asia-Pacific market is set to experience the fastest growth during the forecast period. Rapid industrial expansion, supportive policy frameworks, and large-scale infrastructure investments are boosting demand across key economies such as China and India. China’s “Made in China 2025” initiative and increased automation in manufacturing are contributing to the demand for efficient water treatment services.
Leading players operating in the global wastewater treatment services market include Veolia Group (France), Xylem Inc. (US), Suez SA (France), Ecolab Inc. (US), Thermax Limited (India), Pentair (US), WOG Technologies (India), and Golder Associates (Canada). These companies are actively developing scalable, region-specific, and energy-efficient treatment solutions to support the diverse needs of industrial and municipal users.
As environmental regulations become more stringent and industries seek to adopt sustainable practices, wastewater treatment services are expected to remain a critical component of global industrial and municipal development strategies.
