Report Overview

Population growth across expanding urban areas across the country, stricter environmental regulations, such as the clean water act, and an increasing need for ensuring the safety of drinking water and the proper treatment of water are expected to drive United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market during the forecast period between 2024 and 2030.

United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2030

United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market size was estimated at USD 57.12 billion in 2023. During the forecast period between 2024 and 2030, United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% reaching a value of USD 94.58 billion by 2030. Prominent drivers of the market include the rising demand for water in various end-use industries such as food and beverage, municipal water & wastewater treatment, and pulp and paper. Rapid industrialization and the increasing need for clean, freshwater in agriculture and industrial sectors are further fueling market growth. The growing adoption of filtration, reverse osmosis, and distillation systems for water purification has also contributed significantly. Technological advancements in biological, physical, and chemical water treatment processes are expected to create additional opportunities for growth in the United States water treatment industry. The United States has one of the highest per capita water consumption rates globally, more than double that of other developed nations. Water provision relies on a decentralized system, with over 148,000 independent water systems, of which around 50,000 are community water systems supplying nearly 80% of the population. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), established under the Federal Clean Water Act and Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law, regulates discharges from municipal wastewater facilities, ensuring environmental compliance. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) to monitor COVID-19 through wastewater, highlighting the critical role of wastewater treatment in public health. With over 1,250 active testing sites, this initiative underscores the importance of wastewater management. Wastewater treatment not only protects public health but also promotes water reuse, advancing sustainable water practices. Ongoing research and development efforts are improving treatment methods, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly, further driving market growth.

Water and Wastewater Treatment – Overview

Water and wastewater treatment involves purifying contaminated water to make it suitable for various applications, such as industrial and municipal use. This process encompasses both the treatment of water before consumption and the purification of wastewater to remove impurities before it is discharged back into the environment. Companies in this industry provide services, such as disinfection, filtration, chemical treatment, and membrane separation, employing advanced technologies to effectively eliminate contaminants from water and wastewater.

United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market

Growth Drivers

Growing Population in Expanding Urban Areas in United States

The growing population and urbanization across the United States are significantly contributing to the expansion of the wastewater treatment sector. As the population increases, the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial services rises, leading to a higher volume of wastewater. This growth necessitates the expansion and upgrading of existing treatment infrastructure to manage the increased wastewater effectively. In addition to treating wastewater, the nation’s water systems also support hydropower, agricultural irrigation, flood control, and key industries such as oil, gas, and mining. Technological advancements, including biological treatment systems, membrane filtration, and ultraviolet disinfection, are essential to address the growing demand while improving energy efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of treatment plants. Furthermore, heightened awareness of water quality and stricter environmental regulations are driving the adoption of state-of-the-art treatment technologies and practices. Investments in research and development are crucial for advancing wastewater treatment solutions, ensuring sustainability, and addressing the challenges posed by population growth and urbanization.

Challenges

Aging Infrastructure across the Country

Despite the presence of stringent regulations for water and wastewater treatment, many industries are hesitant to adopt advanced treatment technologies on-site due to the substantial investments required for constructing and maintaining treatment plants. The efficiency of water and wastewater treatment facilities tends to decline over time, primarily due to the accumulation of deposits in piping systems. This aging infrastructure poses challenges for effective wastewater management, necessitating updates and replacements to ensure optimal performance. As the infrastructure ages, it becomes increasingly critical to invest in modern technologies and maintenance practices to enhance the overall efficiency of wastewater treatment operations.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions among countries across regions could have a significant impact on the growth of United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market. Heightened tensions may disrupt supply chains, leading to delays in acquiring essential equipment and technologies necessary for water treatment processes. Additionally, increased military spending can divert funding away from critical infrastructure projects, including water and wastewater systems. Furthermore, geopolitical instability may affect regulatory frameworks and investments, complicating efforts to modernize aging infrastructure. Ultimately, these factors could hinder advancements in treatment technologies and reduce the efficiency and sustainability of water management in the United States.

United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market

Segmental Coverage

United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market – By Equipment

By equipment, United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market is divided into Membrane Separation, Biological, Disinfection, Sludge Treatment, and other segments. The membrane separation segment holds the highest share in United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market by equipment. The growing adoption of membrane separation as a physical treatment method, which involves forcing high-pressure feed water through a semi-permeable membrane, is a key driver of this market growth. Additionally, ongoing technological advancements and the introduction of various new treatment techniques are expected to further enhance market expansion over the forecast period.

United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market – By Process

By process, United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market is divided into Primary Treatment, Secondary Treatment, and Tertiary Treatment segments.

United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market – By Application

On the basis of application, United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market is split into Municipal and Industrial segments. The municipal segment holds a higher share in United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market by application. It is due to a rising urban population and favorable government initiatives promoting infrastructure development. These wastewater treatment facilities are essential for safeguarding water resources and natural aquatic ecosystems by eliminating nutrients and pathogens. The increasing demand for such facilities is anticipated to significantly boost market growth in the coming years. In municipal applications, wastewater treatment is crucial for managing the wastewater produced by households, businesses, and institutions, directly affecting public health, environmental protection, and adherence to regulatory standards. Municipal wastewater treatment plants utilize various technologies to purify water before it is safely released into natural water bodies or recycled for non-potable purposes, reinforcing the segment's leading market share.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in United States Water and Wastewater Treatment Market include Veolia, Acciona S.A., Hydro International, SNF, Aquatech International LLC, BioMicrobics Inc., Calgon Carbon Corporation, Kemira Oyj, Suez, and Xylem. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

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