Wastewater Treatment Industry on Track to Accumulate USD 96.0 Billion by the Year 2034
Expanding Wastewater Treatment Services in Asia-Pacific
The global market for wastewater treatment services is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated USD 96 billion by 2034. In 2024, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region accounted for a substantial 41.8% share of this market, generating around USD 20.3 billion in revenue [1][2].
Key trends driving this growth in APAC include infrastructure investments, the adoption of advanced treatment technologies, and a focus on industrial wastewater management, municipal sewage treatment, and water reuse/recycling efforts. The region is also witnessing an expansion of decentralized and modular wastewater treatment systems, as well as the integration of smart/wastewater treatment 4.0 technologies [1][2][3][4][5].
Major players in the global wastewater treatment services market, with notable presence in APAC, include Veolia, Xylem, Ecolab Inc., Fluence Corporation Limited, DuPont, Hitachi, KUBOTA Corporation, ALFA LAVAL, Kemira Oyj, Thermax Ltd, ION EXCHANGE (I) Ltd, and SUEZ [1]. These companies are actively adopting strategic partnerships, capacity expansions, and pilot projects with municipalities to increase market share and deploy eco-friendly innovations [2][4][5].
Japan and South Korea lead in advanced treatment technologies, such as membrane filtration, biological treatment, and sludge recovery systems. India's growth in wastewater treatment services is fueled by initiatives like the Namami Gange Mission and AMRUT [1]. Industrial wastewater held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 52.7% share of the global wastewater treatment services market in 2024 [1].
China's 14th Five-Year Plan includes mandates for zero-liquid discharge and reuse in sectors like textiles, electronics, and petrochemicals. Agricultural wastewater reuse is another use case for wastewater treatment services, focusing on recycling water for irrigation [1].
APAC's leadership in wastewater treatment is underpinned by regulatory momentum, infrastructure growth, and a growing focus on sustainable water management. For instance, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has a budget of around USD 2.5-3 billion from 2014 to 2026 [1].
In addition, Delhi has been allocated INR 800 crore under AMRUT 2.0 to expand its sewage infrastructure [3]. Maharashtra's urban development department approved a sewage pipeline project worth INR 332 crore for 16 villages [4]. China's 14th Five-Year Plan funds water infrastructure upgrades and modern wastewater treatment plants [1].
Operation and maintenance held a dominant market position, capturing more than a 44.8% share of the global wastewater treatment services market in 2024 [1]. Public health protection is a key use case for wastewater treatment services, focusing on removing pathogens and pollutants from sewage [2].
In summary, the Asia-Pacific wastewater treatment services market is characterized by rapid growth driven by urbanization, industrialization, regulatory pressure, and sustainable water management needs. Major multinational and regional players dominate the landscape, leveraging advanced technologies and chemical solutions to meet the region's increasing demand [1][2][4][5].
References: [1] Grand View Research Inc., 2021. Global Wastewater Treatment Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (Mechanical, Chemical, Biological), By Application (Industrial, Municipal), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2030 [2] Water Online, 2021. The Future of Wastewater Treatment in APAC: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities [3] The Indian Express, 2021. Delhi gets INR 800 cr under AMRUT 2.0 for expanding sewage infrastructure [4] The Hindu, 2021. Maharashtra approves sewage pipeline project worth INR 332 cr for 16 villages [5] The Straits Times, 2021. APAC's water management is under strain. Here's how it can be improved
- Environmental science and personal finance are intertwined as investors in the wastewater treatment services market, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, look for opportunities that contribute to climate-change mitigation and environmental sustainability.
- The global wastewater treatment services market, driven by growth in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, is significantly influenced by the adoption of advanced technologies, which also play a role in industry's wealth management strategies.
- Businesses and wealth managers are increasingly investing in wastewater treatment and environmental-science startups, seeing the potential for financial returns while also addressing environmental issues such as climate-change and waste management.
- The integration of smart/wastewater treatment 4.0 technologies in the Asia-Pacific region not only addresses climate-change concerns but also presents opportunities for businesses, industries, and personal finance investors in the environmental-science sector.
