Decentralized Water Treatment Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Treatment Type, By Technology, By Application, By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Description

The Global Decentralized Water Treatment Market was valued at USD 18.67 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 38.09 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.45% during the forecast period. This market is witnessing substantial growth, fueled by growing concerns over water scarcity, increasing demand for clean water in underserved and expanding urban regions, and the limitations of centralized infrastructure. Decentralized water treatment systems, designed to function close to the point of consumption, offer cost-effective, scalable, and adaptable solutions for areas without access to extensive water networks. These systems are vital in remote, disaster-hit, or underdeveloped regions. Technological advancements, including membrane filtration, UV disinfection, and biological treatments, have enhanced the performance and dependability of these systems, making them suitable for both potable and non-potable uses.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2026-2030
Market Size 2024	USD 18.67 Billion
Market Size 2030	USD 38.09 Billion
CAGR 2025-2030	12.45%
Fastest Growing Segment	Drinking Water Treatment
Largest Market	North America

Key Market Drivers

Rising Water Scarcity and Climate Stress

The escalating global water crisis, fueled by population growth, increased consumption, and unpredictable climate patterns, has intensified the demand for sustainable water solutions. By 2030, freshwater availability is projected to fall short by 40%, with over 2.3 billion people already residing in water-stressed regions. Agriculture consumes nearly 70% of the world's freshwater, and regions such as India and the U.S. Southwest face rapid groundwater depletion. In Africa, approximately 400 million people still lack access to safe drinking water, while in Asia, 21% of surface water sources are unfit for human use. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events further threaten freshwater reserves. In response, decentralized water treatment systems are gaining traction for their ability to deliver localized, flexible, and rapid solutions. These off-grid systems can be deployed in drought-prone areas and support water reuse across households, agriculture, and industries. Additionally, they help minimize losses associated with centralized distribution, where up to 30% of water is lost due to leakage and theft. As environmental pressures increase, decentralized treatment is becoming critical for resilience and sustainable resource management.

Key Market Challenges

High Capital and Operational Costs

The adoption of decentralized water treatment systems faces significant hurdles due to the high initial investment required. Although these systems can be cost-effective over time, the upfront costs for installation, equipment, and site development are substantial, especially for smaller organizations or developing communities. Advanced technologies like MBRs, UF, and UV systems often involve costly components that increase initial expenditure by up to 30% compared to traditional systems. Additionally, small-scale systems do not benefit from economies of scale, resulting in higher per-liter treatment costs-15-25% more than centralized plants. Ongoing operational costs are also elevated, driven by the need for consistent maintenance, skilled labor, and consumables. In remote locations, logistical issues related to sourcing parts and technical services can raise expenses by 30-40%. Energy requirements, particularly in non-solar-powered units, pose further financial burdens. Many potential users lack access to financial incentives, government subsidies, or affordable loans, particularly in emerging economies. Without strong ROI models, adoption remains limited among SMEs and municipalities. Addressing this barrier calls for innovative funding strategies, public-private partnerships, and enhanced access to low-interest financing or development aid.

Key Market Trends

Growing Use of Decentralized Systems in Industrial Applications

Industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, textiles, oil & gas, and chemicals are increasingly deploying decentralized water treatment systems for on-site process and wastewater treatment. These systems enable companies to reduce freshwater consumption and comply with strict discharge regulations. Many facilities now reclaim up to 70% of their wastewater for reuse, especially in water-scarce regions. The flexibility of decentralized systems allows scaling based on operational needs. For instance, textile plants in Southeast Asia utilize containerized RO and MBR systems to recycle dyeing water, while European breweries implement compact anaerobic units for treating organic waste and generating biogas. In the pharmaceutical sector, decentralized UV and ozone systems ensure compliance with high purity standards. These technologies are also key to zero-liquid discharge strategies, where every drop of water is reused or evaporated safely. By reducing dependence on municipal supply and mitigating tariff fluctuations, decentralized systems support industry sustainability goals and bolster environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.

Key Market Players

Veolia Environnement S.A.
SUEZ SA
Xylem Inc.
Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.
Pentair plc
Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
Hitachi Ltd.
Toray Industries, Inc.
GE Water & Process Technologies
Alfa Laval AB

Report Scope:

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

Decentralized Water Treatment Market, By Treatment Type:

Wastewater Treatment
Effluent Treatment
Sewage Treatment
Greywater Treatment
Drinking Water Treatment

Decentralized Water Treatment Market, By Technology:

Membrane Filtration
Chemical Treatment
Biological Treatment
Electrochemical Treatment
Hybrid Systems

Decentralized Water Treatment Market, By Application:

Municipal
Industrial
Agricultural
Commercial
Residential

Decentralized Water 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 Decentralized Water Treatment Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Decentralized Water Treatment Market report with the given market data, Tech Sci 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 Decentralized Water Treatment Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Treatment Type (Wastewater Treatment, Effluent Treatment, Sewage Treatment, Greywater Treatment, Drinking Water Treatment)
- 5.2.2. By Technology (Membrane Filtration, Chemical Treatment, Biological Treatment, Electrochemical Treatment, Hybrid Systems)
- 5.2.3. By Application (Municipal, Industrial, Agricultural, Commercial, Residential)
- 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 Decentralized Water Treatment Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Treatment Type
- 6.2.2. By Technology
- 6.2.3. By Application
- 6.2.4. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
- 6.3.1. United States Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 6.3.1.2.2. By Technology
    - 6.3.1.2.3. By Application
- 6.3.2. Canada Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 6.3.2.2.2. By Technology
    - 6.3.2.2.3. By Application
- 6.3.3. Mexico Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 6.3.3.2.2. By Technology
    - 6.3.3.2.3. By Application

7. Europe Decentralized Water Treatment Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Treatment Type
- 7.2.2. By Technology
- 7.2.3. By Application
- 7.2.4. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
- 7.3.1. Germany Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 7.3.1.2.2. By Technology
    - 7.3.1.2.3. By Application
- 7.3.2. France Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 7.3.2.2.2. By Technology
    - 7.3.2.2.3. By Application
- 7.3.3. United Kingdom Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 7.3.3.2.2. By Technology
    - 7.3.3.2.3. By Application
- 7.3.4. Italy Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 7.3.4.2.2. By Technology
    - 7.3.4.2.3. By Application
- 7.3.5. Spain Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 7.3.5.2.2. By Technology
    - 7.3.5.2.3. By Application

8. Asia Pacific Decentralized Water Treatment Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Treatment Type
- 8.2.2. By Technology
- 8.2.3. By Application
- 8.2.4. By Country
8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
- 8.3.1. China Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 8.3.1.2.2. By Technology
    - 8.3.1.2.3. By Application
- 8.3.2. India Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 8.3.2.2.2. By Technology
    - 8.3.2.2.3. By Application
- 8.3.3. Japan Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 8.3.3.2.2. By Technology
    - 8.3.3.2.3. By Application
- 8.3.4. South Korea Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 8.3.4.2.2. By Technology
    - 8.3.4.2.3. By Application
- 8.3.5. Australia Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 8.3.5.2.2. By Technology
    - 8.3.5.2.3. By Application

9. Middle East & Africa Decentralized Water Treatment Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Treatment Type
- 9.2.2. By Technology
- 9.2.3. By Application
- 9.2.4. By Country
9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis
- 9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 9.3.1.2.2. By Technology
    - 9.3.1.2.3. By Application
- 9.3.2. UAE Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 9.3.2.2.2. By Technology
    - 9.3.2.2.3. By Application
- 9.3.3. South Africa Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 9.3.3.2.2. By Technology
    - 9.3.3.2.3. By Application

10. South America Decentralized Water Treatment Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Treatment Type
- 10.2.2. By Technology
- 10.2.3. By Application
- 10.2.4. By Country
10.3. South America: Country Analysis
- 10.3.1. Brazil Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 10.3.1.2.2. By Technology
    - 10.3.1.2.3. By Application
- 10.3.2. Colombia Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 10.3.2.2.2. By Technology
    - 10.3.2.2.3. By Application
- 10.3.3. Argentina Decentralized Water 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 Type
    - 10.3.3.2.2. By Technology
    - 10.3.3.2.3. By Application

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 Environnement S.A.
- 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 SA
13.3. Xylem Inc.
13.4. Evoqua Water Technologies Corp.
13.5. Pentair plc
13.6. Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
13.7. Hitachi Ltd.
13.8. Toray Industries, Inc.
13.9. GE Water & Process Technologies
13.10. Alfa Laval AB