The global water treatment chemicals market is poised for robust growth in the coming years, projected to rise from US$ 41.7 billion in 2025 to US$ 59.1 billion by 2032. This steady growth, marked by a CAGR of 5.1%, is largely fueled by increasing concerns over clean water availability, rapid urbanization, and tightening environmental standards. As water quality becomes a central issue across both developed and developing regions, industries and municipalities are investing in advanced chemical solutions to meet regulatory requirements and ensure public health and environmental safety.
Applications in sectors such as food and beverage, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals are also witnessing increased use of water treatment chemicals. These industries require ultra-pure water for processes and cleaning, where high-performance, food-grade, and disinfectant chemicals are essential to uphold safety and hygiene standards. Furthermore, biocides and scale inhibitors are being widely adopted in water-intensive operations like drilling and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) to protect equipment and meet environmental compliance.
The pulp and paper industry, producing high organic and fiber-rich wastewater, relies on anti-foaming agents and coagulants to meet discharge regulations and enhance recycling efficiency. Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, demand pathogen-free and ultra-pure water, increasing the use of stabilizers and disinfectants.
Another driver is the heightened awareness around water-borne diseases. Contaminated water remains a major contributor to diseases such as cholera and dysentery, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation. As a result, there is an urgent need for efficient water purification, pushing the adoption of treatment chemicals to safeguard public health.
Leading market participants such as Kemira and Solenis are expanding their portfolios of sustainable products. This green shift creates new opportunities for manufacturers to cater to environmentally conscious clients and align with global ESG objectives. Additionally, as smart water technologies gain popularity, integration with digital dosing and monitoring systems is enabling more efficient and cost-effective chemical usage.
North America is also witnessing significant growth, driven by regulatory frameworks like the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act and Ground Water Rule. These standards have prompted innovation and expansion of sustainable chemical solutions. For instance, the partnership between Kurita America and Solugen is focused on producing carbon-negative water treatment chemicals. Federal investments, including the US$ 6 billion allocation under WIFIA, are further catalyzing infrastructure development and chemical demand.
Europe is characterized by its stringent environmental regulations and leadership in sustainable practices. Countries like Germany recycle over 70% of their wastewater, and companies like BASF and Lanxess are innovating with bio-based products. France has observed a 20% annual growth in bio-based coagulant usage, while in the U.K., regulatory scrutiny over sewage pollution is encouraging industries to invest in advanced chemical treatments. Collaborations such as that between Kemira and Veolia are focused on phosphorus recovery and advanced sustainability solutions.
For example, in October 2023, Solenis acquired CedarChem LLC to bolster its portfolio in the southeastern U.S. Similarly, in February 2025, Hawkins, Inc. expanded its presence in North Carolina through the acquisition of Amerochem Corp., enhancing its capabilities in municipal and industrial water treatment markets.
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Market Insights
The growing global water stress and contamination have accelerated the demand for advanced water treatment chemicals. Municipal bodies are increasingly deploying these chemicals to maintain potable water standards and comply with environmental regulations. Industrial sectors, particularly chemicals and petrochemicals, are adopting specialized solutions to treat complex effluent streams laden with hazardous compounds and heavy metals.Applications in sectors such as food and beverage, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals are also witnessing increased use of water treatment chemicals. These industries require ultra-pure water for processes and cleaning, where high-performance, food-grade, and disinfectant chemicals are essential to uphold safety and hygiene standards. Furthermore, biocides and scale inhibitors are being widely adopted in water-intensive operations like drilling and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) to protect equipment and meet environmental compliance.
The pulp and paper industry, producing high organic and fiber-rich wastewater, relies on anti-foaming agents and coagulants to meet discharge regulations and enhance recycling efficiency. Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, demand pathogen-free and ultra-pure water, increasing the use of stabilizers and disinfectants.
Market Drivers
One of the key growth drivers is rising global industrialization and urbanization. With the United Nations estimating a 55% increase in water demand by 2050, primarily from manufacturing and domestic use, the pressure on existing water resources continues to intensify. This situation compels industries and cities to adopt water treatment chemicals to treat wastewater effectively and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.Another driver is the heightened awareness around water-borne diseases. Contaminated water remains a major contributor to diseases such as cholera and dysentery, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation. As a result, there is an urgent need for efficient water purification, pushing the adoption of treatment chemicals to safeguard public health.
Business Opportunities
Significant business opportunities are emerging from the innovation and development of green and biodegradable water treatment chemicals. In response to increasing environmental regulations and sustainability goals, companies are investing in eco-friendly alternatives that reduce sludge, lower toxicity, and support circular economy principles. Plant-based coagulants, biodegradable chelating agents, and low-impact biocides are gaining traction as viable replacements for traditional chemical solutions.Leading market participants such as Kemira and Solenis are expanding their portfolios of sustainable products. This green shift creates new opportunities for manufacturers to cater to environmentally conscious clients and align with global ESG objectives. Additionally, as smart water technologies gain popularity, integration with digital dosing and monitoring systems is enabling more efficient and cost-effective chemical usage.
Regional Analysis
Asia Pacific remains the fastest-growing region for water treatment chemicals, supported by rapid urbanization, infrastructure investments, and environmental regulations. In India, major initiatives like increasing rural access to tap water and supplying treated sewage water to industrial zones are strengthening the need for chemical-based water treatment. China leads the region with its implementation of the Water Pollution Control Law and projected market size of US$ 7 billion by 2030. Japan, too, is investing in sewage system modernization and advanced technologies.North America is also witnessing significant growth, driven by regulatory frameworks like the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act and Ground Water Rule. These standards have prompted innovation and expansion of sustainable chemical solutions. For instance, the partnership between Kurita America and Solugen is focused on producing carbon-negative water treatment chemicals. Federal investments, including the US$ 6 billion allocation under WIFIA, are further catalyzing infrastructure development and chemical demand.
Europe is characterized by its stringent environmental regulations and leadership in sustainable practices. Countries like Germany recycle over 70% of their wastewater, and companies like BASF and Lanxess are innovating with bio-based products. France has observed a 20% annual growth in bio-based coagulant usage, while in the U.K., regulatory scrutiny over sewage pollution is encouraging industries to invest in advanced chemical treatments. Collaborations such as that between Kemira and Veolia are focused on phosphorus recovery and advanced sustainability solutions.
Competitive Landscape
The global water treatment chemicals market is highly competitive, comprising both international corporations and regional specialists. Companies are continuously innovating to meet regulatory demands and sustainability goals. Mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships are common strategies to diversify offerings and strengthen regional presence.For example, in October 2023, Solenis acquired CedarChem LLC to bolster its portfolio in the southeastern U.S. Similarly, in February 2025, Hawkins, Inc. expanded its presence in North Carolina through the acquisition of Amerochem Corp., enhancing its capabilities in municipal and industrial water treatment markets.
Key Players
Some of the prominent players shaping the market landscape include:
- Veolia
- SUEZ worldwide
- DuPont
- Xylem
- Kemira
- Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
- Gradiant Corporation
- Trojan Technologies Group ULC
- Hydro International Ltd.
- ACCIONA
- Pentair
- Ecolab
Segmentation
The global water treatment chemicals market is segmented as follows:
By Chemical Type
- Coagulants & Flocculants
- Corrosion & Scale Inhibitors
- Biocides & Disinfectants
- pH Adjusters & Stabilizers
- Anti-Foaming Agents
- Chelating Agents
- Others
By Form
- Liquid
- Powder
- Granules
By Type
- Synthetic Chemicals
- Natural Chemicals
By End-User
- Municipal Water Treatment
- Chemical & Petrochemical
- Food & Beverages
- Oil & Gas
- Pulp
- Healthcare
- Other Industrial Water Treatment
By Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
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Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Market Overview
3. Global Water Tretament Chemicals Market Outlook, 2019-2032
4. North America Water Tretament Chemicals Market Outlook, 2019-2032
5. Europe Water Tretament Chemicals Market Outlook, 2019-2032
6. Asia Pacific Water Tretament Chemicals Market Outlook, 2019-2032
7. Latin America Water Tretament Chemicals Market Outlook, 2019-2032
8. Middle East & Africa Water Tretament Chemicals Market Outlook, 2019-2032
9. Competitive Landscape
10. Appendix
Companies Mentioned
- Veolia
- SUEZ worldwide
- DuPont
- Xylem
- Kemira
- Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
- Gradiant Corporation
- Trojan Technologies Group ULC.
- Hydro International Ltd.
- ACCIONA
- Ecolab
- BioMicrobics, Inc
Methodology
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