Global Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Size

• The global primary water and wastewater treatment equipment market size was valued at USD 14.79 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 21.68 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.9% during the forecast period
• The market growth is largely fueled by increasing urbanization, industrialization, and the rising need for efficient water and wastewater management systems in municipal and industrial sectors
• Furthermore, stringent environmental regulations, government initiatives for clean water and wastewater treatment, and growing investments in sustainable infrastructure are accelerating the adoption of advanced primary water and wastewater treatment equipment, thereby significantly boosting the industry’s growth

Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Analysis

• Primary water and wastewater treatment equipment includes screening equipment, sedimentation systems, primary filtration units, chemical feed systems, and primary sludge treatment solutions. These systems are essential for removing suspended solids, reducing organic load, and preparing water for secondary treatment in municipal and industrial applications
• The escalating demand for primary treatment equipment is primarily driven by increasing water pollution concerns, stricter regulatory standards for effluent discharge, the need for sustainable water reuse and recycling practices, and the modernization of aging water treatment infrastructure across developing and developed regions
• Asia-Pacific dominated the primary water and wastewater treatment equipment market with a share of 36% in 2024, due to rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and increasing government investments in water infrastructure projects
• North America is expected to be the fastest growing region in the primary water and wastewater treatment equipment market during the forecast period due to rising infrastructure upgrades, industrial wastewater management needs, and adoption of advanced treatment technologies
• Municipal segment dominated the market with a market share of 64.3% in 2024, due to the widespread need for large-scale treatment facilities to manage urban population growth and municipal wastewater. Governments are investing heavily in modernizing treatment plants and upgrading primary treatment equipment to comply with stringent environmental and public health standards. The municipal sector benefits from long-term service contracts, structured budgets, and reliable operational frameworks, which encourage adoption of high-efficiency sedimentation and chemical feed systems. Rising urbanization and increasing awareness of sustainable water management practices further strengthen demand in this segment

Report Scope and Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Segmentation      

Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Trends

Rising Adoption of Automated and Energy-Efficient Treatment Systems

• The growing demand for automated and energy-efficient solutions in water and wastewater treatment is reshaping the industry by integrating advanced technologies into primary treatment equipment. Operators and municipalities are emphasizing systems that minimize manual intervention, optimize energy usage, and ensure consistent compliance with evolving water quality regulations
  • For instance, companies such as Xylem Inc. offer innovative automated wastewater treatment systems designed to enhance energy efficiency and reduce operational costs for utilities. Similarly, Veolia Water Technologies has been developing smart treatment plants embedded with monitoring sensors and automation tools that maximize treatment efficiency and reduce resource wastage
• Automation enables real-time monitoring of water quality parameters such as turbidity, suspended solids, and oil content, allowing companies to quickly adjust processes. This ensures compliance with stringent discharge standards and also reduces downtime and operational risk, thereby boosting plant reliability
• Energy-efficient designs are also gaining traction as utilities and industries struggle with high energy consumption in traditional treatment systems. Equipment manufacturers are actively developing low-energy clarifiers, sludge treatment tools, and aeration systems that can significantly cut electricity use without compromising output
• The integration of digital platforms, such as SCADA systems and IoT-enabled monitoring, is fostering better predictive maintenance and improved decision-making in treatment plants. These capabilities reduce sudden breakdown risks, increase the lifespan of equipment, and provide cost savings over time for operators
• Consequently, the rising adoption of automated and energy-efficient primary treatment systems is redefining the approach towards water management, pushing utilities and industries to prioritize sustainability, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness in their operations. This trend is expected to accelerate as water stress and regulatory requirements intensify worldwide

Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Dynamics

Driver

Rising Urbanization and Industrial Water Demand

• The unprecedented pace of urbanization and industrial expansion has led to a surge in demand for effective water and wastewater treatment solutions. Rapid population growth in urban centers is straining existing water infrastructure, making primary treatment equipment essential for ensuring clean water supply and safe discharge
  • For instance, SUEZ is actively implementing projects across Asia and Africa where urban growth and industrial development are accelerating. These initiatives involve deploying scalable wastewater treatment systems that meet the rising needs of expanding cities and industries in water-stressed regions
• The growing demand for industrial water use in sectors such as power generation, manufacturing, and chemical processing is further widening the application scope of treatment equipment. Industries require clean water for operations and are compelled to treat wastewater before discharge to comply with strict environmental standards
• Urban migration and industrialization have also magnified the challenge of municipal waste discharge, requiring modernized facilities that can efficiently handle higher wastewater volumes. This trend is driving governments and private players to invest significantly in upgrading aging infrastructure with modern equipment
• Overall, the rise of urbanization coupled with increasing industrial water needs is creating long-term demand for advanced treatment equipment. This driver ensures that the expansion of cities and industries will remain directly linked to sustained growth in the water and wastewater treatment equipment market globally

Restraint/Challenge

High Capital and Maintenance Costs

• One of the most significant challenges hindering the adoption of primary water and wastewater treatment equipment is the high capital investment required for advanced systems. Setting up large-scale treatment facilities with automated and energy-efficient equipment requires substantial upfront expenditure, posing barriers for municipalities and small-scale industries
  • For instance, Evoqua Water Technologies has highlighted that initial investments in advanced treatment plants, especially those powered by intelligent automation and energy-saving systems, often reach millions of dollars, restricting adoption in lower-income regions. Even when governments support projects through subsidies or partnerships, financial limitations slow down implementation rates
• Maintenance and operational costs also add to the burden, particularly where advanced monitoring instruments, filtration systems, or aeration tools are involved. These costs extend over the equipment lifecycle, making plant operators cautious about long-term commitments, especially in resource-constrained areas
• In addition, technical complexities in repairs and the need for specialized labor further elevate operational costs. Remote locations and underdeveloped regions in particular face logistical challenges in obtaining parts and qualified technicians, complicating system upkeep and prolonging downtimes
• As a result, high capital requirements combined with costly maintenance remain structural hurdles to the widespread adoption of advanced treatment equipment. Addressing this issue will require innovative financing mechanisms, cost-efficient designs, and government-backed initiatives to lower barriers and create sustainable pathways for broader market growth

Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of equipment type, application, and end-user industry.

• By Equipment Type

On the basis of equipment type, the primary water and wastewater treatment equipment market is segmented into screening equipment, sedimentation equipment, primary filtration systems, chemical feed systems, and primary sludge treatment equipment. The sedimentation equipment segment dominated the largest market revenue share in 2024, driven by its critical role in removing suspended solids and reducing organic load at the initial stages of treatment. Municipal and industrial facilities often prioritize sedimentation equipment for its reliability, efficiency, and ease of integration with existing treatment infrastructure. The segment also benefits from technological enhancements such as inclined plate settlers and tube settlers, which improve settling efficiency and reduce footprint. Rising demand for cost-effective and energy-efficient primary treatment solutions further strengthens the adoption of sedimentation equipment across water and wastewater treatment facilities.

The primary filtration systems segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, fueled by increasing adoption in industrial and municipal sectors. These systems provide precise removal of fine suspended particles, enhancing downstream treatment efficiency and meeting stringent regulatory standards. Advanced filtration technologies, including membrane-based and automated filtration units, offer operational flexibility and low maintenance requirements. The growing emphasis on water reuse, recycling, and compliance with environmental regulations is driving the deployment of primary filtration systems in both new and retrofit projects.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the primary water and wastewater treatment equipment market is segmented into water treatment, wastewater treatment, and reuse and recycling. The wastewater treatment segment dominated the largest market revenue share in 2024, driven by the increasing need to treat municipal and industrial effluents before discharge into natural water bodies. The rising population, urbanization, and industrialization have heightened regulatory enforcement for effluent treatment, boosting demand for reliable primary treatment equipment. Wastewater treatment facilities increasingly adopt sedimentation, screening, and chemical feed systems to reduce contaminants and meet environmental standards efficiently. Furthermore, modernization of aging infrastructure and the need for sustainable water management practices are key factors sustaining the segment’s dominance.

The reuse and recycling segment is expected to witness the fastest growth from 2025 to 2032, fueled by the global focus on water conservation and circular economy practices. Facilities implementing water reuse solutions require advanced primary treatment equipment to ensure high-quality effluent suitable for industrial, agricultural, or municipal applications. Technological innovations, including automated and modular systems, are improving treatment efficiency, reducing operational costs, and enabling scalable deployment. Regulatory support and corporate sustainability initiatives are also driving investments in water recycling projects across multiple sectors.

• By End-User Industry

On the basis of end-user industry, the primary water and wastewater treatment equipment market is segmented into municipal, industrial, and commercial sectors. The municipal segment dominated the largest market revenue share of 64.3% in 2024, owing to the widespread need for large-scale treatment facilities to manage urban population growth and municipal wastewater. Governments are investing heavily in modernizing treatment plants and upgrading primary treatment equipment to comply with stringent environmental and public health standards. The municipal sector benefits from long-term service contracts, structured budgets, and reliable operational frameworks, which encourage adoption of high-efficiency sedimentation and chemical feed systems. Rising urbanization and increasing awareness of sustainable water management practices further strengthen demand in this segment.

The industrial segment is projected to witness the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, driven by the expanding manufacturing base and stringent wastewater discharge regulations across industries. Industrial facilities require specialized primary treatment equipment capable of handling high-strength effluents and process-specific contaminants. Advanced systems with automated monitoring and chemical dosing capabilities are increasingly adopted to improve treatment efficiency and reduce downtime. The growing emphasis on environmental compliance, resource recovery, and corporate sustainability programs is accelerating industrial investment in primary water and wastewater treatment solutions.

Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Regional Analysis

• Asia-Pacific dominated the primary water and wastewater treatment equipment market with the largest revenue share of 36% in 2024, driven by rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and increasing government investments in water infrastructure projects
• The region’s cost-effective manufacturing landscape, rising adoption of advanced treatment technologies, and growing emphasis on sustainable water management are accelerating market expansion
• The availability of skilled labor, supportive government policies, and rapid industrialization across developing economies are contributing to higher deployment of water and wastewater treatment solutions

China Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Insight

China held the largest share in the Asia-Pacific market in 2024, owing to extensive investments in municipal and industrial water treatment facilities. The country’s strong infrastructure development programs, government incentives for clean water initiatives, and growing industrial base are key growth drivers. Rising awareness of water pollution control and modernization of aging treatment plants are further boosting demand for primary treatment equipment.

India Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Insight

India is witnessing the fastest growth in the Asia-Pacific region, fueled by increasing urban population, industrialization, and government initiatives such as the National Mission for Clean Ganga and AMRUT. Expansion of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment projects, coupled with investments in advanced primary treatment systems, is driving rapid market adoption. Growing environmental regulations and focus on water reuse and recycling are supporting strong market growth.

Europe Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Insight

The Europe market is expanding steadily, supported by stringent environmental regulations, high standards for wastewater discharge, and increasing investments in sustainable water management solutions. The region emphasizes energy-efficient and advanced treatment technologies, particularly in urban and industrial areas. Growing demand for equipment that ensures regulatory compliance and reduces operational costs is further enhancing market growth.

Germany Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Insight

Germany’s market is driven by its leadership in industrial water management, focus on technological innovation, and strong regulatory framework. The country invests heavily in upgrading municipal and industrial treatment infrastructure, emphasizing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly primary treatment equipment. Demand is particularly strong for modern sedimentation and filtration systems to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

U.K. Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Insight

The U.K. market is supported by growing investments in water infrastructure modernization, stringent wastewater treatment regulations, and increasing adoption of advanced treatment solutions. Government initiatives aimed at improving water quality, along with the need for sustainable urban water management, are encouraging deployment of primary treatment systems across municipal and industrial sectors.

North America Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Insight

North America is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, driven by rising infrastructure upgrades, industrial wastewater management needs, and adoption of advanced treatment technologies. Increasing focus on sustainability, water reuse, and stringent environmental compliance is boosting demand.

U.S. Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Insight

The U.S. accounted for the largest share in the North America market in 2024, underpinned by its mature municipal and industrial water treatment infrastructure, strong R&D capabilities, and supportive regulatory framework. Investments in modernizing aging treatment plants, adoption of energy-efficient equipment, and emphasis on water reuse and recycling are reinforcing the country’s leading position in the region.

Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market Share

The primary water and wastewater treatment equipment industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Veolia Environnement (France)
• SUEZ (France)
• Xylem Inc. (U.S.)
• Evoqua Water Technologies (U.S.)
• Pentair plc (U.K.)
• GE Water & Process Technologies (U.S.)
• Grundfos (Denmark)
• Aquatech International (U.S.)
• Danaher Corporation (U.S.)
• Kurita Water Industries Ltd. (Japan)
• Hitachi Ltd. (Japan)
• Toray Industries, Inc. (Japan)
• Thermo Fisher Scientific (U.S.)
• IDE Technologies (Israel)
• Mott MacDonald (U.K.)
• Ovivo Inc. (Canada)
• Parkson Corporation (U.S.)
• Alfa Laval (Sweden)
• DuPont Water Solutions (U.S.)
• H2O Innovation Inc. (Canada)

Latest Developments in Global Primary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market

• In June 2023, DESOTEC, a European leader in industrial mobile filtration solutions, completed the acquisition of Evoqua Water Technologies' carbon reactivation and slurry services division for approximately USD 100 million. This strategic move allows Evoqua to concentrate on its core water treatment business, while DESOTEC expands its presence in the U.S. market. The deal includes reactivation facilities and associated equipment in Pennsylvania and Arizona, as well as a manufacturing facility in California. A supply agreement for reactivated carbon ensures continued servicing of existing customers
• In January 2023, Xylem Inc., a global water technology company, announced the completion of its acquisition of Evoqua Water Technologies Corp. in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately USD 7.5 billion. This acquisition enhances Xylem's portfolio in primary water and wastewater treatment equipment, combining both companies' strengths to address global water challenges. The merger creates a leading provider of innovative water solutions, solidifying Xylem's position in the industry and expanding its capabilities in sustainable water management practices
• In August 2022, Veolia agreed to sell SUEZ's UK waste management operations to Australian private equity firm Macquarie for €2.4 billion. This divestiture was a strategic move to address competition concerns raised by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) following Veolia's acquisition of SUEZ. The sale allowed Veolia to streamline its operations and focus on its core environmental services while maintaining a strong presence in the UK market. The transaction also provided Veolia with additional financial flexibility to invest in high-value markets and reduce debt leverage
• In March 2022, Veolia North America announced the completion of its acquisition of SUEZ's water and wastewater treatment assets in the United States and Canada. This integration positions Veolia as the leading company for cities and municipalities across the U.S. in drinking water and wastewater treatment systems, with a workforce of 10,000 employees. The combination enhances Veolia's service offerings and strengthens its market presence in North America
• In January 2022, a consortium comprising Meridiam, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), and the French Caisse des Dépôts Group finalized the acquisition of SUEZ, as part of the broader merger agreement with Veolia. This move marked a significant restructuring in the global water and wastewater treatment sector, with SUEZ's international operations being absorbed by Veolia, while its French assets were retained by the consortium. The transaction aimed to create a more competitive and sustainable global environmental services company, enhancing innovation and resource management capabilities

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