Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market Analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa - China, US, Japan, India, UK - Size and Forecast 2024-2028

Water And Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market Size 2024-2028

The Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals (WWTCs) Market size is estimated to grow by USD 20.84 billion between 2023 and 2028, accelerating at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 6.63%. The expansion of the water treatment chemicals market is driven by multiple factors. Firstly, the growing global population fuels an increased demand for freshwater, necessitating efficient water treatment solutions. Additionally, the scarcity of water resources has led to a rise in the utilization of water and wastewater treatment chemicals and residential drinking water treatment equipment to meet demand while ensuring water quality. Moreover, stringent regulations governing water and wastewater management further propel the market growth as industries and municipalities strive to comply with environmental standards. These factors collectively underscore the significance of water treatment chemicals in addressing water scarcity issues, maintaining water quality, and meeting regulatory requirements in a sustainable manner amidst increasing global demands.

Water And Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market Overview

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Water And Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market Dynamics

The market is driven by the construction, manufacturing, and mining industries, necessitating effective solutions to combat various impurities including metallic, organic, and non-organic contaminants. Trends include a shift towards eco-friendly and biodegradable chemicals, reflecting a broader focus on sustainability and environmental compliance. Challenges like addressing microplastics and pharmaceuticals in water sources remain prevalent. Emerging trends in advanced treatment chemicals and desalination technologies, including commercial water treatment equipment, are shaping the market, driven by the need to maintain global water quality standards and comply with environmental regulations such as the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Our researchers studied the data for years, with 2022 as the base year and 2023 as the estimated year, and presented the key drivers, trends, and challenges for the market.  Our researchers studied the market research and growth data for years, with 2023 as the base year and 2024 as the estimated year, and presented the key drivers, trends, and challenges for the market.

Key Market Driver - Increasing demand for freshwater due to the rise in population

The increasing demand for freshwater due to the rise in population is notably driving the water treatment chemicals market. Water treatment chemicals now have a wide range of global opportunities due to the ongoing investment in the industry. Global urbanization, population growth, and ongoing economic expansion are the main causes of the rise in freshwater demand. The water supply systems in many urban areas are under stress due to the increase in urbanization. The need for freshwater increases along with population growth and urbanization.

Moreover, the increased use of water in domestic, agricultural, and industrial settings is another factor driving this demand. There has never been a more urgent need for produced water treatment that can effectively meet the rising demand for freshwater. Thus, such factors are expected to increase the demand for water and wastewater treatment chemicals for freshwater, which is expected to fuel the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Significant Market Trends - Use of analytics to drive efficiency

The use of green chemicals in water and wastewater treatments is an emerging trend in water treatment chemicals market growth. Municipalities and power plants among other industries produce wastewater. This makes it possible to recycle wastewater that can be put to good use. Depending on the kinds of contaminants in the water, different processes exist for treating both water and wastewater. Among them are physical, chemical, and biological processes. Large amounts of wastewater are typically treated using these processes.

In the industrial, mining, and other sectors, a variety of chemical-based wastewater treatments are common. These include chlorination, neutralization, coagulation, ion exchange, and adsorption. The oxidation method is used by the majority of these treatments to clean wastewater. The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) claims that chlorine-based oxidation is very efficient and popular. However, there are risks to safety and health when using, storing, and transporting chlorine. Because of this, efforts are made to create safer and more efficient oxidation techniques. AIChE emphasizes the use of ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and ultraviolet light as potent oxidizing agents that eliminate undesirable contaminants and disinfect the treated water without the inherent dangers of using chlorine. Sand filters, jet aeration, clarifiers, activated carbon filters, and reactivated carbon are used in WWT plants to treat water and wastewater in an environmentally friendly or green manner. Thus, the abovementioned factors are expected to fuel the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Major Market Challenge - Availability of skilled workforce in treatment plants

The impact of untreated wastewater effluent on human beings and the environment is a major challenge impeding market growth. Large amounts of organic matter and nutrients are frequently deposited when untreated effluent from water and wastewater treatment plants is discharged. This seriously impairs the health of the environments in which it is present. Excessive exposure may result in eutrophication and a brief oxygen shortage, which ultimately change the energy balance and water balance and disrupt the biotic community's structure and function. Additionally, the discharge of untreated effluent within these water bodies has an impact on the hydrological and physicochemical environment as a whole, with many micro- and macrofaunae displaying varying physiological tolerance levels.

Due to microbial pathogens and declining ecological parameters, communities close to municipal sewage outfalls and contaminated water sources are at risk of becoming ill. Contaminated water that comes into contact can cause a number of skin and ear conditions. Additionally, untreated effluent discharge frequently leads to an increase in viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens, which can lead to waterborne illnesses like giardiasis and gastroenteritis. Some indirect health risks, such as chemical contaminants and disease vectors like malaria-carrying mosquitoes and schistosomiasis-carrying freshwater snails, can also emerge depending on the state of surface water sources. Thus, the abovementioned factors are expected to hinder the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Water And Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market Segmentation

Type Segment Analysis: 

The coagulants and flocculants segment will contribute a major share of the market. Coagulants and flocculants are used in effluent water treatment processes for solid removal, water clarification, lime softening, sludge thickening, and solids dewatering.  Impurities are separated using coagulation and flocculation processes. Particles are forced to bind together during coagulation. Flocculation aids in the formation of large, heavy dirt chunks that sink to the bottom and are simple to remove.

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The coagulants and flocculants segment showed a gradual increase in market share with USD 13.42 billion in 2018 and continued to grow until 2022. As they are used to remove sedimentary and particulate matter from the contaminated water, this segment lowers the operating cost of the water treatment process. Due to factors like the demand for potable water, an increase in population, demand for municipal water and wastewater treatment equipment, and the quick urbanization of developing economies, the coagulants and flocculants market is predicted to expand. Thus, the abovementioned factors are expected to drive the growth of the coagulants and flocculants segment in the global market during the forecast period.

Product Segment Analysis

Based on the product, the market has been segmented into municipality, power generation, pulp and paper, metal and mining, oil and gas and others. The municipality segment will account for the largest share of this segment. In this segment, chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment are used to disinfect the municipal water that is delivered to homes. Municipal effluents are treated with these chemicals, and water bodies are restored. The amount of treated water used in municipal applications is enormous, and chemical demand is constant. In this context, the main goals of water treatment are to get rid of contaminants and make the water suitable for everyday use. The demand for clean, pure water and sludge dewatering in sewage treatment plants is also expected to increase the demand for water and wastewater treatment chemicals for municipal applications. Thus, the abovementioned factors are expected to drive the growth of the municipality segment in the global market during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

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APAC is estimated to contribute 49% to the growth by 2027.  Technavio's analysts have provided extensive insight into the market forecasting, detailing the regional trends and drivers influencing the market's trajectory throughout the forecast period.  The APAC region has emerged as a key player in the global market. The demand for clean water has increased as a result of the region's growing industrialization, urbanization, and population. The consumption of chemicals for water and wastewater treatment has also increased as a result in the region. The market is driven by the rising demand for clean water from different sectors, including the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, and power generation industries. Additionally, strict government regulations concerning water pollution have fueled market expansion.

Some of the fastest-growing economies, including China and India, are present in the APAC region. Chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment are most commonly used in China. Government regulations have become more stringent as a result of the nation's water pollution issue, which has increased the demand for chemicals used in water treatment. India is also a significant player in the APAC market for chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment. To clean up the nation's polluted waterways, the Indian government has launched a number of initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Clean Ganga Mission. As a result, India now has a huge demand for chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment. Hence, such factors are driving the regional growth during the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the market.

Accepta Ltd. - The key offerings of the company include water and wastewater treatment chemicals for commercial, industrial, and municipal applications.

We also have detailed analyses of the market’s competitive landscape and offer information on 20 market companies, including:

Accepta Water Treatment, Akzo Nobel NV, Albemarle Corp., Arkema Group, Buckman Laboratories lnternational Inc., Carus Group Inc., Chembond Chemicals Ltd., Cortec Corp., Danaher Corp., Dow Chemical Co., Ecolab Inc., Hydrite Chemical Co., Ion Exchange India Ltd., Kemira Oyj, Kurita Water Industries Ltd, Lonza Group Ltd., Solenis, Solvay SA, SUEZ SA, and Thermax Ltd. 

Technavio market forecast the an in-depth analysis of the market and its players through combined qualitative and quantitative data. The analysis classifies companies into categories based on their business approaches, including pure-play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified. Companies are specially categorized into dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak, based on their quantitative data analysis.  

Segment Overview

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD Billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.

• Type Outlook 
  • Coagulants and flocculants
  • Corrosion and scale inhibitors
  • Biocides and disinfectants
  • pH adjusters and softeners
  • Others

• Application Outlook 
  • Municipality
  • Power generation
  • Pulp and paper
  • Metal and mining
  • Oil and gas
  • Others

• Region Outlook 
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • The U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
  • South America
    • Chile
    • Argentina
    • Brazil

Market Analyst Overview

The market is crucial for ensuring water quality and environmental compliance across various industries. Key factors driving this market include the presence of metallic impurities, organic impurities, and non-organic impurities in water sources, necessitating effective treatment solutions. Industries such as  construction, manufacturing, mining, oil & gas, power, pulp & paper, chemical, and food & beverage sectors heavily rely on water treatment chemicals to meet environmental regulations and ensure global water quality standards. With the increasing demand for freshwater resources and rising water demand, there's a growing emphasis on water recycling and sustainable water management practices, particularly in emerging economies. The market landscape depends on the Water treatment sector, waste & energy usage, corrosion inhibitors, and the oil & gas sector.  Water treatment technologies such as membrane filtration systems, UV disinfection systems, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration play pivotal roles in achieving clean water objectives.

Moreover, the market is witnessing a shift towards green alternatives and eco-friendly chemicals, including biodegradable compounds and chlorine-free water treatment options, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact. Advanced treatment chemicals, desalination, and oxidation procedures are gaining traction, supported by intelligent monitoring systems, digital advancements, and real-time monitoring for predictive maintenance and process optimization. Industries like healthcare, food production, and hospitality are actively adopting sustainable solutions for waterborne disease prevention and microbial control, contributing to the overall growth of the market. Strategic partnerships and investments in water infrastructure, coupled with adherence to regulatory frameworks such as the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, further drive economic development and promote a healthier environment. Leading companies like BWA Water Additives, Nouryon, and NSF International are at the forefront of delivering innovative solutions in line with global water quality directives and pollution control laws.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this Market Research Report?

• CAGR of the water treatment chemicals market during the forecast period
• Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2023 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market size and its contribution to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market industry across APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• A thorough market report analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive market forecast analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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