The Global Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market was valued at USD 30.41 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 41.76 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.27% during the forecast period. Urbanization, environmental regulations, and the rising demand for clean water are significantly reshaping the municipal wastewater landscape. With over half the global population now living in urban areas-and projections indicating this figure will exceed 68% by 2050-municipalities face growing pressure to upgrade wastewater infrastructure and enhance treatment efficiency. Municipal wastewater treatment encompasses critical processes like sedimentation, biological treatment, disinfection, and sludge handling, designed to remove pollutants before safe discharge or reuse. Governments are adopting advanced technologies such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs), UV disinfection, and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to comply with strict environmental standards. Simultaneously, climate-driven water scarcity is prompting a shift toward water recycling and reuse strategies. As digitalization spreads, smart sensors, IoT, and AI-based systems are revolutionizing operations by improving plant performance, monitoring, and regulatory compliance. These factors collectively underpin the market's dynamic expansion.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2026-2030
Market Size 2024	USD 30.41 Billion
Market Size 2030	USD 41.76 Billion
CAGR 2025-2030	5.27%
Fastest Growing Segment	Physical Treatment
Largest Market	North America

Key Market Drivers

Rising Urban Population and Expanding Municipal Infrastructure

The increasing urban population is exerting pressure on existing wastewater systems, driving the need for expanded and modernized municipal treatment infrastructure. According to the United Nations, urban residents accounted for 56.2% of the global population in 2023-a number projected to reach 68% by 2050. This urban influx leads to greater sewage volumes, compelling municipal authorities to invest in new treatment facilities and network upgrades. In developing regions, like India, where treatment capacity covers only about 38% of daily sewage generation, the demand for wastewater solutions is critical. Simultaneously, older infrastructure in developed nations, such as the U.S. and Germany, requires significant rehabilitation to meet rising volumes and compliance standards. These combined pressures are propelling investments in municipal wastewater management on a global scale.

Key Market Challenges

High Capital and Operational Costs

One of the main constraints in municipal wastewater treatment is the high cost associated with plant development and ongoing operations. Constructing full-scale treatment plants involves significant expenditure on civil works, mechanical installations, and control systems-often amounting to millions of dollars. Furthermore, operating expenses, particularly for energy and chemical usage, can account for a large portion of annual budgets, with energy alone representing up to 40%. These costs are especially challenging in low- and middle-income countries where financial resources are limited and electricity prices are high. Many municipalities lack access to adequate funding, and retrofitting outdated systems to meet modern regulatory requirements further exacerbates the financial burden. Smaller municipalities face additional economic pressure due to their limited scale, making per-unit treatment costs disproportionately high.

Key Market Trends

Integration of Smart Water Technologies and IoT in Wastewater Management

The adoption of smart technologies is transforming municipal wastewater operations, improving efficiency, reliability, and compliance. Utilities are incorporating IoT sensors, SCADA systems, and cloud-based platforms to monitor water quality, energy use, and plant performance in real-time. These tools enable predictive maintenance and early detection of operational issues, significantly reducing downtime and repair costs. Predictive analytics further enhances decision-making by forecasting equipment failures and optimizing treatment processes. Digital twins are also emerging as valuable tools, simulating plant operations under various conditions to support design and performance optimization. These innovations are enabling municipalities to build more resilient and cost-effective wastewater treatment systems.

Accelerated Emphasis on Water Reuse and Circular Economy

The global shift toward sustainable resource use is placing emphasis on water reuse and circular economy principles in municipal wastewater treatment. Cities are increasingly adopting systems that recycle treated wastewater for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, industrial cooling, and toilet flushing. In regions facing water scarcity, such as the Middle East, Singapore, and California, advanced technologies are even enabling indirect or direct potable reuse. Circular models also include recovering energy from sludge digestion and extracting nutrients like phosphorus for fertilizer production. These practices not only reduce environmental impact but also create new revenue opportunities and improve the economic viability of wastewater treatment investments. As global focus intensifies on sustainability, these approaches are expected to become integral to municipal wastewater strategies.

Key Market Players

Veolia Water Technologies
SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions
Xylem Inc.
Ecolab Inc.
Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
DuPont Water Solutions
Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
Aquatech International LLC
Pentair plc
Fluence Corporation

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market, By Treatment Process:

Physical Treatment
Chemical Treatment
Biological Treatment
Membrane-Based Treatment
Others

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market, By Application:

Residential
Commercial
Others

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market, By Treatment Technology:

Primary Treatment
Secondary Treatment
Tertiary Treatment

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market, By Region:

North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- Germany
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Spain
South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia
Asia-Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
- 1.2.1. Markets Covered
- 1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
- 1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Treatment Process (Physical Treatment, Chemical Treatment, Biological Treatment, Membrane-Based Treatment, Others)
- 5.2.2. By Application (Residential, Commercial, Others)
- 5.2.3. By Treatment Technology (Primary Treatment, Secondary Treatment, Tertiary Treatment)
- 5.2.4. By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific)
5.3. By Company (2024)
5.4. Market Map

6. North America Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Treatment Process
- 6.2.2. By Application
- 6.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 6.2.4. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
- 6.3.1. United States Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 6.3.1.2.2. By Application
    - 6.3.1.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 6.3.2. Canada Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 6.3.2.2.2. By Application
    - 6.3.2.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 6.3.3. Mexico Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 6.3.3.2.2. By Application
    - 6.3.3.2.3. By Treatment Technology

7. Europe Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Treatment Process
- 7.2.2. By Application
- 7.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 7.2.4. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
- 7.3.1. Germany Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 7.3.1.2.2. By Application
    - 7.3.1.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 7.3.2. France Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 7.3.2.2.2. By Application
    - 7.3.2.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 7.3.3. United Kingdom Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 7.3.3.2.2. By Application
    - 7.3.3.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 7.3.4. Italy Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 7.3.4.2.2. By Application
    - 7.3.4.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 7.3.5. Spain Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 7.3.5.2.2. By Application
    - 7.3.5.2.3. By Treatment Technology

8. Asia Pacific Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Treatment Process
- 8.2.2. By Application
- 8.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 8.2.4. By Country
8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
- 8.3.1. China Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 8.3.1.2.2. By Application
    - 8.3.1.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 8.3.2. India Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 8.3.2.2.2. By Application
    - 8.3.2.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 8.3.3. Japan Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 8.3.3.2.2. By Application
    - 8.3.3.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 8.3.4. South Korea Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 8.3.4.2.2. By Application
    - 8.3.4.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 8.3.5. Australia Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 8.3.5.2.2. By Application
    - 8.3.5.2.3. By Treatment Technology

9. Middle East & Africa Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Treatment Process
- 9.2.2. By Application
- 9.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 9.2.4. By Country
9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis
- 9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 9.3.1.2.2. By Application
    - 9.3.1.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 9.3.2. UAE Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 9.3.2.2.2. By Application
    - 9.3.2.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 9.3.3. South Africa Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 9.3.3.2.2. By Application
    - 9.3.3.2.3. By Treatment Technology

10. South America Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Treatment Process
- 10.2.2. By Application
- 10.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 10.2.4. By Country
10.3. South America: Country Analysis
- 10.3.1. Brazil Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 10.3.1.2.2. By Application
    - 10.3.1.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 10.3.2. Colombia Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 10.3.2.2.2. By Application
    - 10.3.2.2.3. By Treatment Technology
- 10.3.3. Argentina Municipal Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.2.1. By Treatment Process
    - 10.3.3.2.2. By Application
    - 10.3.3.2.3. By Treatment Technology

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends and Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Product Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. Company Profiles

13.1. Veolia Water Technologies
- 13.1.1. Business Overview
- 13.1.2. Key Revenue and Financials
- 13.1.3. Recent Developments
- 13.1.4. Key Personnel
- 13.1.5. Key Product/Services Offered
13.2. SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions
13.3. Xylem Inc.
13.4. Ecolab Inc.
13.5. Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
13.6. DuPont Water Solutions
13.7. Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
13.8. Aquatech International LLC
13.9. Pentair plc
13.10. Fluence Corporation

14. Strategic Recommendations

15. About Us & Disclaimer

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