Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F

The Secondary Water And Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market was valued at USD 24.64 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 32.88 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 4.77%. Increasing demand for efficient, cost-effective, and compliant treatment solutions is encouraging the adoption of advanced biological processes, energy-saving technologies, and modular system designs.

Governments across regions are enforcing stricter wastewater discharge norms and investing in infrastructure upgrades, pushing municipal and industrial users toward high-performance secondary treatment systems. Digital transformation and smart monitoring integration are enabling real-time process optimization, predictive maintenance, and enhanced operational control. At the same time, the market is witnessing rising interest in modular and decentralized solutions to meet the evolving needs of remote and under-resourced areas. These factors collectively signal a market poised for continued expansion, with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and process efficiency.

Key Market Drivers

Digitalization and Smart Monitoring Integration

The integration of digital technologies is revolutionizing the secondary water and wastewater treatment equipment market. Advanced tools like IoT sensors, AI analytics, smart monitoring, and SCADA systems are being used to enhance operational efficiency, reduce energy usage, and maintain regulatory compliance. These innovations allow for real-time tracking of key indicators such as BOD, COD, pH, turbidity, and nutrients, empowering operators to make timely adjustments for optimal treatment outcomes. Predictive maintenance is minimizing downtime and lowering operational costs, while AI-based decision support systems are improving energy efficiency and reducing sludge production.

The adoption of digital twins enables simulation and optimization of treatment processes, particularly useful under varying load conditions. Remote and decentralized systems benefit significantly from these smart solutions due to improved site management capabilities. Public sector initiatives, such as the U.S. EPA’s WIFIA program, are further accelerating digital infrastructure adoption. Overall, digitalization is driving a shift toward smarter, more cost-efficient, and compliant treatment systems.

Key Market Challenges

Shift Toward Energy-Efficient Biological Treatment Systems

With energy prices climbing and sustainability becoming a priority, the market is transitioning to energy-efficient secondary wastewater treatment equipment. Biological treatment stages, especially aeration, are highly energy-intensive, sometimes comprising up to 70% of a facility's power use. Manufacturers are responding by introducing technologies like fine-bubble diffusers, VFDs, and optimized blowers that boost oxygen transfer and reduce wasteful energy use.

Real-time, demand-based control algorithms are helping facilities cut energy usage by as much as 30%. Additionally, systems like IFAS and MBBR provide effective treatment with smaller footprints and lower energy inputs. Plants are also incorporating renewable energy sources, such as biogas from sludge digestion, to reach energy neutrality. Several European facilities have already achieved net-zero or net-positive energy operations. This energy-focused shift aligns with ESG commitments and carbon reduction goals, making energy-efficient equipment essential for future market evolution.

Key Market Trends

Rise of Modular and Prefabricated Treatment Systems

A significant trend shaping the secondary water and wastewater treatment market is the growing preference for modular and prefabricated systems. These units offer rapid deployment, ease of transport, and scalability, making them ideal for remote or fast-growing urban areas. Factory-built and containerized solutions, including MBR, MBBR, and SBR systems, streamline installation, lower labor costs, and support phased capacity expansions.

Industrial sectors such as mining and oil & gas are utilizing these systems for on-site compliance and water reuse. Modular units often feature integrated automation and remote monitoring, improving energy efficiency by up to 20%. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated their adoption due to labor and supply chain disruptions. Governments and NGOs also deploy prefabricated systems for emergency response. This trend is transforming infrastructure development, especially in emerging economies, by overcoming traditional construction challenges and enabling faster access to wastewater treatment solutions.

Key Market Players

• Xylem Inc.
• Veolia Environment S.A.
• Suez S.A.
• Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
• Aquatech International LLC
• Ecolab Inc.
• Pentair Plc
• Thermax Ltd.
• Hitachi Ltd.
• IDE Technologies

Report Scope:

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

Secondary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market, By Equipment Type:

• Biological Treatment Equipment
• Disinfection Equipment
• Sludge Treatment Equipment
• Others

Secondary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market, By Application:

• Municipal
• Industrial

Secondary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market, By Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Secondary Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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