Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Equipment (Activated Sludge), By Application (Municipal, Industrial), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The global secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market size was estimated at USD 24.91 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the increasing water scarcity, stringent environmental regulations, and rapid urbanization. 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.

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.

Equipment Insights

The activated sludge led the global secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment industry and accounted for the largest revenue share of 45.1% in 2024. 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

The municipal application segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenues share of 67.9% in 2024, 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.

The industrial application segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2025 to 2030, 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

The Asia Pacific secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market dominated the global market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 35.9% in 2024. 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.

China Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Trends

The secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market in China led the Asia Pacific market and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024, 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.

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

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 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market report based on equipment, application, and region.

• Equipment Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Activated Sludge

  • Sludge Treatment

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Municipal

  • Industrial

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • 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