GVR Report cover Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market (2026 - 2033)Report

Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market (2026 - 2033)

Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Equipment (Activated Sludge), By Application (Municipal, Industrial), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America), And Segment Forecasts

Market Size, 2025

$25.9B

Market Estimate, 2026

$27.1B

Market Forecast, 2033

$38.4B

CAGR, 2026–2033

5.1%

Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Summary

The global secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market size was valued at USD 25.9 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 27.1 billion in 2026 to USD 38.4 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2026 to 2033. Asia Pacific dominated the secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market with the largest revenue share of 36.3% in 2025. This growth is attributed to the increasing water scarcity, stringent environmental regulations, and rapid urbanization.

Secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market overview: Grand View Research estimates the global market size at USD 25.9 billion in 2025, projected to grow from USD 27.1 billion in 2026 to USD 38.4 billion by 2033 at a 5.1% CAGR, with regional growth momentum.Source: Grand View Research, IR Documents, Primary Interviews, Paid Databases

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Key Market Trends & Insights

  • By equipment: Activated sludge segment held the largest market share of 45.3% in 2025.
  • By application: Municipal segment held the largest market share of 67.7% in 2025.

Regional Highlights

  • Largest regional market: Asia Pacific (36.3% revenue share, 2025)
  • By country: China held the largest market share in 2025

Market Size & Forecast

  • Market size in 2025: USD 25.9 Billion
  • Estimated market size in 2026: USD 27.1 Billion
  • Projected market size by 2033: USD 38.4 Billion
  • CAGR (2026-2033): 5.1%

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In addition, the demand for efficient wastewater management solutions is heightened by rising pollution levels and the need for sustainable water practices. Furthermore, technological advancements, such as the development of innovative treatment methods such as moving bed biofilm reactors, further enhance treatment efficiency. Secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment refers to technologies designed to treat wastewater by removing pollutants and organic matter, ensuring the effluent meets environmental standards for safe discharge or reuse. The increasing need for water conservation and recycling is a major factor propelling the market, as industries and municipalities seek sustainable practices to alleviate freshwater scarcity. By treating wastewater to specific quality benchmarks, these technologies enable reuse in non-potable applications such as irrigation and industrial processes, thereby reducing pressure on freshwater sources.

secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market size and growth forecast (2023-2033)

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Moreover, the implementation of stringent environmental regulations globally compels industries and municipalities to adopt effective wastewater treatment solutions. These regulations aim to minimize harmful pollutant discharge into ecosystems, making secondary treatment equipment essential for compliance. The growing focus on environmental sustainability further drives the demand for these technologies.

Technological innovation also plays a crucial role in market growth. Advances in treatment methods such as membrane filtration, biological processes, and advanced oxidation techniques have enhanced efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and lowered operational costs. These innovations make secondary treatment technologies more appealing to potential users, facilitating broader adoption across various sectors.

Market Dynamics

The secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market is driven by stricter wastewater discharge regulations, expanding municipal and industrial treatment infrastructure, growing water reuse initiatives, and increasing investments in plant modernization. Demand for advanced biological treatment, aeration, clarification, and sludge handling equipment continues to grow across municipalities and industries. The integration of automation, digital monitoring, and energy-efficient treatment systems is improving operational performance and process reliability. Industrial expansion across sectors such as food & beverage, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and pulp & paper is further supporting equipment demand. Meanwhile, high capital and operating costs, energy consumption, maintenance requirements, evolving treatment technologies, and supply chain fluctuations continue to influence equipment adoption, innovation, and competitive dynamics across the market.

Stringent environmental regulations governing wastewater discharge and the growing focus on water reuse are driving demand for secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment. Municipalities and industries are investing in advanced biological treatment, aeration, clarification, and sludge handling systems to comply with regulatory standards and improve treatment efficiency. Continued investments in wastewater infrastructure modernization are further supporting market growth.

The adoption of secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment is constrained by high capital investment, energy-intensive operations, and ongoing maintenance requirements. Equipment such as aeration systems, membrane bioreactors, and sludge treatment units require significant installation and operational expenditure, particularly for small municipalities and industrial facilities. These cost challenges can delay infrastructure upgrades and limit the adoption of advanced treatment technologies.

Growing investments in industrial wastewater treatment and water recycling projects are creating significant opportunities for equipment manufacturers. Industries including food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, mining, and pulp & paper are upgrading treatment facilities to reduce freshwater consumption and comply with stricter discharge standards. The increasing adoption of resource recovery, digital monitoring, and energy-efficient treatment technologies is further expanding demand for advanced secondary treatment equipment.

Analyst Perspective

The secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market is growing steadily as governments and industries continue to invest in advanced wastewater treatment infrastructure to address increasing water scarcity and stricter environmental regulations. Demand is expanding across municipal utilities and industrial sectors such as food & beverage, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, power generation, and mining, where efficient biological treatment is essential for meeting discharge standards and supporting water reuse initiatives. In addition, growing adoption of advanced treatment technologies, including membrane bioreactors (MBRs), moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs), and sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), is improving treatment efficiency while reducing operational footprints and energy consumption. As investments in sustainable water management and circular water use continue to increase, manufacturers offering reliable, energy-efficient, and application-specific secondary treatment equipment are expected to benefit from sustained long-term market growth.

Equipment Insights

Based on equipment, the activated sludge segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 45.3% in 2025. This growth is attributed to the rising urbanization and population growth, which lead to increased sewage and industrial effluent volumes. In addition, stricter environmental regulations compel industries to adopt effective wastewater treatment solutions, driving demand for activated sludge systems. Furthermore, technological advancements in aeration and monitoring systems enhance treatment efficiency, while a growing focus on sustainability encourages resource recovery from wastewater, further supporting market expansion.

The sludge treatment equipment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% over the forecast period, owing to the rising need for efficient sludge management due to rapid urbanization and industrial development. In addition, increasing awareness of environmental sustainability drives industries to adopt advanced sludge dewatering technologies that minimize waste and enhance resource recovery. Furthermore, stringent regulations regarding wastewater discharge necessitate effective sludge treatment solutions. Moreover, innovations in equipment design and functionality also contribute to market growth, making sludge treatment more efficient and cost-effective for municipalities and industries alike.

Application Insights

Based on application, the municipal segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 67.7% in 2025. primarily driven by the escalating urbanization and the need for improved sanitation standards. In addition, as populations grow in urban areas, there is an increasing demand for efficient wastewater management systems to handle the rising volumes of sewage. Furthermore, governments are investing in infrastructure upgrades and enforcing stringent regulations, which further propel the adoption of advanced treatment technologies to ensure clean water supply and environmental protection.

Secondary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Share

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The industrial application segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2025 to 2033, owing to the rapid industrialization and technological advancements significantly contribute to market growth. Industries require substantial amounts of treated water for various processes, leading to heightened demand for effective wastewater treatment solutions. Furthermore, strict regulatory frameworks aimed at minimizing environmental impact compel industries to invest in advanced treatment systems. Moreover, the need for sustainable practices and resource recovery from wastewater also drives innovations in equipment design, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs in industrial wastewater management.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market with the largest revenue share of 36.3% in 2025. This growth is attributed to rapid urbanization, increased government investments, and rising consumer spending, which collectively enhance infrastructure development. In addition, countries such as China and India are experiencing significant industrial growth, necessitating advanced wastewater treatment solutions to address environmental concerns and comply with stringent regulations. Furthermore, technological advancements in treatment methods further stimulate market growth in this dynamic region.

Secondary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Trends, by Region, 2026 - 2033

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China Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Trends

The secondary water and wastewater treatment equipmentmarket in China held the largest share in the Asia Pacific region in 2025. driven by the country's rapid industrialization and urban expansion. In addition, the government has implemented strict environmental regulations that mandate the treatment of industrial wastewater, fostering demand for advanced treatment technologies. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at sustainable urban development and pollution control are driving investments in wastewater infrastructure. Moreover, the integration of innovative treatment methods, such as moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR), is enhancing operational efficiency and meeting growing water quality standards.

Latin America Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Trends

Latin America secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% over the forecast period, owing to heightened awareness of environmental issues and regulatory changes. In addition, countries such as Brazil are investing in modernizing their wastewater infrastructure to improve public health and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the region's challenges with water scarcity and pollution are prompting governments to prioritize efficient water management practices.

Europe Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Trends

The secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market in Europe is expected to witness substantial growth due to stringent EU regulations aimed at improving water quality and sustainability. In addition, the region's commitment to environmental protection has led to significant investments in advanced treatment technologies. Furthermore, countries such as Germany and France are at the forefront of adopting innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. Moreover, the growing emphasis on circular economy principles encourages the reuse of treated wastewater, further boosting demand for advanced treatment systems across Europe.

North America Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Trends

The North America secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period, owing to the aging infrastructure and increasing regulatory pressures. Furthermore, the need for modernization of existing facilities is driving investments in new technologies that enhance treatment efficacy and compliance with environmental standards. Moreover, rising public awareness regarding water conservation is prompting municipalities to adopt more efficient systems. The integration of smart technologies in wastewater management is also gaining traction, contributing to overall market growth in this region.

The growth of the secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market in the U.S. is expected to be driven by significant technological innovation driven by regulatory mandates for cleaner water discharge. In addition, federal and state regulations compel industries to upgrade their wastewater systems, boosting demand for advanced solutions such as activated sludge systems and biofilm reactors. Furthermore, growing concerns about climate change and resource sustainability are leading to increased investments in green technologies within the sector.

Key Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Company Insights

Key companies in the global secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment industry include Siemens AG, IDEX Corporation, Evoqua Water Technologies, and others. These players adopt various strategies to enhance their competitive edge. These include investing in research and development to innovate new technologies, forming strategic partnerships to expand market reach, and focusing on sustainability initiatives. In addition, companies prioritize improving operational efficiency and reducing costs through advanced manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, they also engage in mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their product portfolios and enhance service capabilities, ensuring they meet the evolving demands of the market effectively.

  • Veolia Water Technologies manufactures a wide range of equipment and systems designed for both municipal and industrial applications, including technologies for screening, clarification, and biological treatment processes. Operating in the water treatment segment, the company focuses on optimizing wastewater management through innovative technologies that ensure compliance with environmental standards while promoting sustainability and resource recovery.

  • IDEX Corporation offers a diverse portfolio of products, including pumps, valves, and filtration systems tailored for water treatment applications. The company focuses on the industrial segment, providing solutions that enhance operational efficiency and reliability in water treatment processes.

Key Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Companies

The following key companies have been profiled for this study on the secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market.

  • Veolia Water Technologies

  • Siemens AG

  • IDEX Corporation

  • Evoqua Water Technologies

  • ITT Inc.

  • Suez Water Technologies Solutions

  • GE Power

  • Toray Industries, Inc.

  • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

  • Xylem Inc.

  • Danaher Corporation

  • Pentair plc

  • Emerson Electric Co.

  • Alfa Laval AB

  • Hitachi, Ltd.

Competitive Benchmarking

Category

Operating Strategies

Competitive Edge

Weakness

Established Players (e.g., Veolia Water Technologies; Xylem Inc.; Alfa Laval AB; Kurita Water Industries Ltd.; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.)

  • Focus on integrated secondary wastewater treatment equipment for municipal and industrial applications through long-term contracts and EPC partnerships.
  • Invest in R&D, digital water technologies, manufacturing expansion, and strategic acquisitions to strengthen product portfolios and global presence.
  • Extensive global manufacturing and service networks with broad portfolios of biological treatment equipment.
  • Strong engineering expertise, established customer relationships, and proven execution of large-scale infrastructure projects.

High capital investment requirements for technology development and manufacturing facilities.Long project cycles and dependence on infrastructure spending and environmental regulations can impact revenue growth.

Emerging & Regional Players (e.g., Evoqua Water Technologies (Xylem); Toray Industries, Inc.; Ovivo Inc.; WesTech Engineering, LLC.)

  • Focus on specialized technologies such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs), biological filtration systems, and modular wastewater treatment equipment.
  • Emphasize technology innovation, customized solutions, and strategic partnerships for industrial and water reuse applications.
  • Strong expertise in niche biological treatment technologies and customized engineering solutions.
  • Greater flexibility to address application-specific requirements and rapidly commercialize advanced treatment technologies.
  • Limited manufacturing scale and global reach compared to established multinational competitors.
  • Higher dependence on project-based contracts and specialized market segments for business growth.

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Recent Developments

  • In April 2023, SUEZ announced a partnership with Salinity Solutions to pilot a cutting-edge low-energy reverse osmosis system at a wastewater treatment plant in France. This innovative technology, known as HyBatch, aims to enhance secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment by reducing energy consumption while effectively purifying wastewater. The pilot will assess HyBatch's ability to remove salts and contaminants, promoting efficient wastewater reuse, especially in coastal areas facing saline intrusion challenges. This initiative aligns with global efforts to optimize water resources amidst rising demand.

Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Report Scope

Report Attribute

Details

Market size in 2025

USD 25.9 billion

Estimated market size in 2026

USD 27.1 billion

Projected market size by 2033

USD 38.4 billion

Growth rate

CAGR of 5.1% from 2026 to 2033

Base year for estimation

2025

Historical data

2021 - 2024

Forecast period

2026 - 2033

Quantitative units

Revenue in USD billion and CAGR from 2026 to 2033

Report coverage

Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends

Segments covered

Equipment, application, region

Regional scope

North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa

Country scope

U.S., Canada, Mexico, China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Norway, Finland, Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt.

Key companies profiled

Veolia Water Technologies; Xylem Inc.; SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions; Evoqua Water Technologies (Xylem); Alfa Laval AB; Toray Industries, Inc.; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.; Kurita Water Industries Ltd.; Ovivo Inc.; WesTech Engineering, LLC.

Customization scope

Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts' working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope.

Pricing and purchase options

Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options

Global Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and analyzes the latest industry trends in each sub-segment from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market report based on equipment, application, and region:

Global Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Report Segmentation

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  • Equipment Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

    • Activated Sludge

    • Sludge Treatment

    • Others

  • Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

    • Municipal

    • Industrial

  • Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

    • North America

      • U.S.

      • Canada

      • Mexico

    • Europe

      • Germany

      • France

      • UK

      • Italy

      • Norway

      • Finland

    • Asia Pacific

      • China

      • India

      • Japan

      • Australia

      • South Korea

    • Central & South America

      • Argentina

      • Brazil

      • Venezuela

    • Middle East & Africa

      • Saudi Arabia

      • UAE

      • Egypt

Research Methodology

The secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market figures in this report are based on a proven research process that combines executive interviews with secondary research from proprietary databases, company filings, and recognized regulatory and institutional sources. Market size is built through value-chain sizing - reconciling supply-side and demand-side estimates - and triangulated with bottom-up and top-down approaches. Every estimate passes multiple levels of expert validation before publication, with each secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment segment quantified using the revenue-capture definitions in the table below.

Segment Definition

Segment - Equipment

Revenue Capture Definition

Activated Sludge

The segment refers to equipment designed for activated sludge-based biological wastewater treatment processes. The segment captures revenue generated from the sale of activated sludge treatment equipment, including aeration systems, diffusers, mixers, and related components.

Sludge Treatment

The segment refers to equipment designed for sludge thickening, dewatering, stabilization, digestion, drying, and handling. The segment captures revenue generated from the sale of sludge treatment equipment and associated systems.

Others

The segment refers to all other secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment not classified under activated sludge or sludge treatment. The segment captures revenue generated from the sale of secondary clarifiers, membrane bioreactors (MBRs), moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) systems, rotating biological contactors (RBCs), and other biological treatment equipment.

Segment - Application

Revenue Capture Definition

Municipal

The segment captures revenue generated from the sale of secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment supplied to municipal customers.

Industrial

The segment captures revenue generated from the sale of secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment supplied to industrial customers.

Estimation Model

Layer No.

Layer Name

Key Question

Description

01

Wastewater Treatment Demand Layer

Where is secondary treatment equipment required?

Analyze demand across municipal wastewater treatment plants and industrial sectors including food & beverage, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, pulp & paper, mining, oil & gas, power generation, and textiles.

02

Water Infrastructure & Environmental Investment Layer

Where is new equipment demand being created?

Evaluate investments in municipal wastewater infrastructure, industrial effluent treatment facilities, water reuse projects, and treatment plant upgrades.

03

Product Adoption Layer

Which secondary treatment technologies are being deployed?

Segment demand by equipment type, treatment technology, process configuration, application, and end-use industry. Apply adoption rates based on treatment efficiency, plant capacity, energy consumption, sludge generation, operating costs, and regulatory requirements.

04

Revenue Generation Layer

How much market revenue is generated?

Estimate annual shipments of secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment by equipment type, treatment technology, application, end-use industry, and region.

Delivered Customizations

This report has been delivered with the following In-depth customizations

Client Request

Customization Delivered

Value Adds

Competitive Benchmarking

A competitive benchmarking analysis was conducted by evaluating leading manufacturers based on product portfolio, treatment technology capabilities, manufacturing footprint, strategic initiatives, and competitive positioning within the secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market.

This analysis helped stakeholders assess competitive strengths, identify technology differentiation opportunities, and develop informed market positioning and growth strategies.

Regional Segmentation

A comprehensive regional analysis was provided across major markets, highlighting wastewater infrastructure investments, technology adoption, regulatory frameworks, demand trends, and the contribution of key countries to regional market performance.

The regional assessment enabled stakeholders to identify high-growth markets, optimize expansion strategies, and align investments with region-specific demand and regulatory requirements.

Opportunity Assessment

A detailed opportunity assessment was conducted by evaluating water reuse projects, industrial wastewater treatment demand, infrastructure modernization, and the adoption of advanced biological treatment technologies.

This assessment enabled stakeholders to prioritize high-growth opportunities, align product development with evolving market demand, and capitalize on investments in sustainable wastewater treatment solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Report

About the Author(s)

Water & Sludge Treatment Research Team

Bulk Chemicals · Water & Sludge Treatment

This report was authored by the water & sludge treatment research team at Grand View Research - comprising two research analysts, one senior research analyst, and one industry expert - with specialized expertise in the water & sludge treatment segment of the bulk chemicals industry. All findings are based on proprietary bulk chemicals databases, executive interviews, and regulatory analysis, subject to internal peer review prior to publication.

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