Report Overview

An increasingly high demand for quality, safe, and treated water from rapidly expanding urban population and various industries across the country is expected to drive South Africa Water & Wastewater Treatment market during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029.

South Africa Water & Wastewater Treatment Market - Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2029

South Africa water & wastewater treatment market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.84% during the forecast period between 2023 and 2029. Major growth factors for South Africa water & wastewater treatment market include increasing water pollution levels and poor water quality which is putting strain on the health and economy. As a result, the government is significantly investing in the construction and maintenance of municipal wastewater treatment plants, which is propelling the growth of the market. Furthermore, increasing product launches and the entry of competitors to tap into the growing market are also projected to offer lucrative growth opportunities to the South Africa water & wastewater treatment market during the forecast period.

South Africa Water & Wastewater Treatment Market – Overview

Wastewater treatment refers to the process of removing contaminants from sewage or wastewater to make them recyclable, reusable, and acceptable to the environment. Various processes such as phase separation, sedimentation, oxidation, biochemical oxidation, chemical oxidation, and others are followed for treating wastewater. Different wastewater treatment plants have been established throughout South Africa to treat wastewater from multiple industries and sectors. They include sewage, tertiary, industrial wastewater, agriculture wastewater, and leachate treatment plants. Several industries, in the absence of in-house wastewater treatment plants, resort to using municipal wastewater for their operations.

South Africa Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

Growth Drivers

Increasing Water Pollution and Rising Demand for Safe Water

In many communities around South Africa, poor water quality is becoming a significant concern, endangering the nation's economy and health. About 34% of South Africa's water systems are in high or critical danger, according to data released in April 2022 by the Department of Water and Sanitation. One of the main causes of South Africa's severe water quality issues is the country's rapid urbanization and rising levels of river pollution. It is forecast to boost the need for water and wastewater treatment in the country, propelling the overall market growth.

Restraints

Poor Management of Wastewater Treatment Plants

The majority of African nations, including South Africa, lack wastewater management infrastructure. According to the most recent Green Drop report, which was published on March 30, 2022, wastewater compliance has drastically decreased since then. About 334 (or 39%) of the 850 municipal wastewater treatment facilities are in a catastrophic condition, with a score of 30% or below. The largest plant, the Cape Flats wastewater treatment plant, which discharges effluent into False Bay, received a score of 0% from the DWS in 2020 and 2021 for microbiological compliance. The average score for chemical compliance was 37%. These factors may restrict the growth of South Africa wastewater treatment market.

Impact of COVID-19 on South Africa Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

Initially, South Africa wastewater treatment market suffered from the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. All industry sectors, except for IT and pharmaceuticals, have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The need for wastewater treatment saw a substantial fall as manufacturing firms all around the country shut down or operated just partially. The country's growing need for wastewater treatment is, nevertheless, anticipated to fuel market expansion throughout the projected period. Moreover, the South African wastewater treatment market is expanding due to the demand for clean, safe water for the treatment of viruses and other diseases.

South Africa Water & Wastewater Treatment Market

Segmental Coverage

South Africa Water & Wastewater Treatment Market – By Equipment

Based on equipment, South Africa water & wastewater treatment market is segregated into membrane separation, biological, disinfection, sludge treatment, and others. The membrane separation holds the highest share in South Africa water & wastewater treatment market. The technique does not require external pressure, which results in reduced energy consumption than pressure-driven processes (particularly for specialized uses of FO). Osmotic pressure is used for separation, making fouling reversal and water cleaning easier. These factors contribute to its market growth.

South Africa Water & Wastewater Treatment Market – By Process

Based on process, South Africa Water & Wastewater Treatment market is segmented into primary treatment, secondary treatment, and tertiary treatment. The primary treatment process accounts for the highest share of the market. The primary process of treating water and wastewater includes removing heavy particles and floatables from effluent. Water and pollutants are separated from wastewater by passing it through several tanks and filters. The aforementioned technology is anticipated to significantly contribute to expanding the application spectrum of primary treatment during the forecast period due to its low operating costs and strong market visibility.

South Africa Water & Wastewater Treatment Market – By Application

Based on application, South Africa water & wastewater treatment market is segmented into municipal and industrial. The municipal segment accounts for a higher share in the South Africa water & wastewater treatment market. The municipal segment makes up the greatest portion of the market because of financial assistance from the government. They receive financial assistance from the government to cover the cost of developing wastewater treatment plants. The industrial sector, on the other hand, is expected to see the highest CAGR throughout the projection period. The development of onsite wastewater treatment facilities by enterprises in response to environmental laws is anticipated to drive the market over the projected period.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in South Africa water & wastewater treatment market include Ecolab Inc., Veolia Group, Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, Aquatech International Corporation, Calgon Carbon Corporation, and Toshiba Water Solutions Private Limited. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In February 2023 – EL MAT Sustainable Solutions, a South Africa-based startup, developed an innovative microbial fuel cell solution with said triple output, an on-site device that treats wastewater and reduces stress on the grid while providing a decentralized electricity supply in urban and rural settings.

Scope of the Report

By Equipment

• Membrane Separation

• Biological

• Disinfection

• Sludge Treatment

• Others

By Process

• Primary Treatment

• Secondary Treatment

• Tertiary Treatment

By Application

• Municipal

• Industrial