Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Canada

The global tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2025 to 2031. The tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Canada is also forecasted to witness strong growth over the forecast period. The major drivers for this market are the water scarcity/lack of freshwater resources, the growth in industrial water consumption & discharge, and the increasing government initiatives to provide safe drinking water.

The future of the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Canada looks promising with opportunities in the municipal and industrial markets.

• within the equipment category, the filter segment is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to its ability to eliminate any remaining suspended contaminants from the wastewater.

Emerging Trends in the Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Canada

Canada is experiencing increased environmental regulation and water management renewal, which is boosting demand for tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment systems. Urbanization, industrialization, and climate unpredictability are putting pressure on industries and municipalities to invest in improved water infrastructure. The transition from traditional to advanced treatment processes is an indicator of Canada‘s emphasis on net-zero emissions, water recycling, and the protection of ecosystems. As the nation modernizes its water systems, emerging trends in treatment technologies, energy efficiency, circular economy approaches, and digitization are redefining the market dynamics across public utilities and industrial end users.

• Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Optimization: BNR facilities are being upgraded throughout Canadian treatment facilities to comply with more stringent discharge requirements for nitrogen and phosphorus. Through the introduction of sophisticated microbial processes and real-time monitoring, facilities are enhancing effluent quality as well as lowering chemical consumption. This is highly visible in areas along sensitive aquatic ecosystems, where nutrient overloading has led to eutrophication. BNR upgrades are enforcing compliance while fostering sustainability, supporting the need for adaptive and modular treatment units designed specifically for municipal and decentralized facilities.
• Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Uptake in Decentralized Systems: MBRs are making inroads in remote and decentralized populations for their efficient treatment in small space footprints. In Canada‘s rural provinces and northern territories, the technology is facilitating water reuse and safe release even under harsh climatic conditions. Membrane integration with biological treatment processes enhances effluent quality and fulfills local sustainability objectives. The trend is increasing equipment demand within public-private infrastructure projects and decentralized treatment networks.
• Wastewater-to-Energy Integration: Canadian wastewater treatment plants are adopting energy recovery technology in the form of anaerobic digestion and thermal hydrolysis. Tertiary treatment plants are being outfitted to harvest biosolids and transform them into biogas, enabling carbon-neutral operations. This is in keeping with federal climate policy and circular economy models, which are converting treatment plants into resource recovery hubs. Equipment design is increasingly integrating energy modules, driving hybrid system demand with multi-functionality.
• Digital Twins and Predictive Control Systems: Utilities are embracing digital twins and AI-based platforms to realize real-time optimal performance of tertiary treatment. The technology imitates plant operations in the digital space, enabling predictive maintenance, enhanced flow control, and lower energy utilization. In Canada‘s urban centers, similar platforms are supporting operational performance and resilience. Smart treatment control technologies are propelling software-integrated hardware solutions and remote monitoring-compatible equipment to the forefront.
• Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) Installation for Micropollutants: Increased attention to pharmaceutical residues and PFAS in drinking water is propelling the installation of AOP systems within tertiary treatment. Canadian industry and utilities are incorporating ozone, UV, and hydrogen peroxide-based processes to break down micropollutants that other treatments leave behind. This technology addresses mounting regulatory pressure and public health consciousness, stimulating investment in high-performance oxidation plant equipment specific for trace contaminant removal.

These new trends mirror Canada‘s changing strategy in water sustainability, regulation, and infrastructure modernization. From decentralized MBRs and energy-positive plants to digital controls and advanced oxidation, the market is turning towards intelligent, resilient, and environmental tertiary solutions. These innovations are making Canada a leader in advanced water treatment in both municipal and industrial sectors.

Recent Developments in the Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Canada

Canada‘s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment industry has witnessed a trend of strategic developments over the past few years. Compelled by environmental laws, financing incentives, and technological advancements, industries and utilities are bringing their wastewater infrastructure up to a higher level. Advances in treatment design, project delivery approaches, and inter-sector collaborations are defining the competitive environment. The latest trends evidence a convergence of home-country policy alignment with international sustainability trends, reinforcing Canada‘s foothold in the North American water treatment market.

• Government Investment in Small-Community Systems: The Canadian government has provided additional funding for small and Indigenous community wastewater upgrades under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. Projects are now centered on the addition of tertiary units to comply with safety standards and fit in with regional requirements. This is generating interest in modular, compact treatment equipment that suits small-space and low-resource environments. The shift is driving development in the prefabricated and containerized treatment unit markets under provincial contracts.
• Private-Sector Involvement in Wastewater PPPs: A number of municipalities have undertaken public-private partnerships (PPPs) to fund and operate high-end tertiary facilities. Ontario and Alberta PPPs, which took place recently, emphasize long-term operation contracts that entail equipment supply, performance tracking, and risk-sharing. This trend is prompting OEMs and service providers to provide packaged solutions that integrate tertiary treatment hardware and digital monitoring with operating experience, moving the market from product sales to service-based models.
• Green Infrastructure Integration in Urban Redevelopment: Cities such as Toronto and Vancouver have combined tertiary treatment technologies with green infrastructure in stormwater and wastewater projects. Such includes constructed wetlands, biofilters, and hybrid approaches for improving water quality before discharge. Equipment manufacturers now make custom units that are designed to integrate with the urban environment while providing ecological and functional performance. This is widening the scope of tertiary equipment beyond treatment to encompass urban environmental design.
• Pilot Projects for PFAS Removal: Canada is initiating pilot-scale testing of tertiary technologies for PFAS and other emerging pollutant removal from wastewater. Quebec and British Columbia utilities are piloting leading-edge filtration and AOP solutions for trace compound removal. Pilots will provide performance benchmarks, guide regulatory frameworks, and facilitate commercial roll-out. Equipment vendors with established PFAS-targeted technology are experiencing higher levels of collaboration with research institutions and municipalities.
• Cross-Border Collaboration on Water Innovation: Canadian technology companies and utilities are leading role in North American water innovation clusters. Recent collaborations with US-based research institutions and foreign solution providers are bringing next-gen tertiary treatment modules to commercial success. The collaborations are aimed at creating scalable technologies for nutrient elimination, sludge reduction, and intelligent monitoring - raising export prospects and raising the bar on Canadian water technology innovation standards.

Canada‘s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market is being reconfigured by decentralized financing, PPP models, incorporation of green infrastructure, and transborder innovation. Not only are these changes augmenting domestic capability but they are also positioning Canada for international competitiveness. With regulatory change and sustainability objectives becoming more pressing, the Canadian market is opting both for innovation and inclusiveness in its water infrastructure transformation.

Strategic Growth Opportunities for Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Canada

Canada is turning the corner on water management, propelled by sustainability initiatives, population expansion, and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. Tertiary water and wastewater treatment systems are increasing their profile as industries and municipalities look for more effective purification and safe discharge mechanisms. Advanced equipment to enable nutrient removal, control of pathogens, and water reuse is in growing demand. Canada‘s emphasis on environmental conservation and compliance with regulations is generating significant demand in sectors such as municipal utilities, manufacturing, food processing, and energy. This environment presents leading application-based opportunities for innovation and business growth with customized, integrated, and economical treatment technologies.

• Municipal wastewater reuse and recycling: Canada‘s municipalities are increasingly making investments in infrastructure supporting wastewater reuse in order to save freshwater. Tertiary treatment equipment makes it possible to recycle treated effluent for landscape irrigation, industrial cooling, or recharge to groundwater. With urban areas experiencing water stress, there is increasing demand for decentralized and modular solutions that conform to local norms. These technologies are improving sustainability in urban planning while minimizing reliance on freshwater resources. Increased smart water infrastructure and circular economy projects continue to drive municipal demand for sophisticated tertiary treatment systems.
• Compliance in the food and beverage industry: The Canadian food and beverage industry is subject to stringent discharge standards under provincial and national water laws. Businesses are implementing tertiary treatment systems that guarantee effluent quality to specifications for organics, nutrients, and microbially safety. This minimizes environmental exposure while preventing fines and allowing for water recycling. Tertiary technologies like membrane filtration and UV disinfection are gaining popularity. Investments are also increasing in on-site treatment systems that enhance water efficiency and are compatible with sustainability goals, hence fostering adoption in this regulated sector.
• Industrial zero-liquid discharge systems: Industrial sectors like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and textiles are moving towards zero-liquid discharge systems for minimizing effluent volume and fulfilling sustainability objectives. Tertiary treatment equipment is a key factor in realizing high-quality water for recycling and near-zero waste. Tertiary systems employ technologies such as advanced oxidation, membrane bioreactors, and crystallization. Industrial areas in Canada are looking for compact and economical equipment that reduces environmental responsibility. With carbon and water footprints emerging as the critical parameters, industrial operators are increasing investment in tertiary systems delivering compliance and environmental requirements.
• Treatment of oil and gas produced water: Canada‘s oil and gas industry needs effective treatment of produced water to minimize disposal quantities and facilitate reuse. Tertiary systems facilitate high-level filtration and disinfection for the elimination of hydrocarbons, salts, and residual organics. Alberta and British Columbia operations, which drive equipment demand, are both seeking to minimize environmental hazards and recover water for reuse in hydraulic fracturing or steam generation. Modular tertiary units are especially useful in remote areas. The incorporation of tertiary equipment provides sustainability, regulatory compliance, and cost savings over the long term within this water-intensive sector.
• Agricultural runoff and nutrient removal: Canada‘s agricultural areas are experiencing increasing concern regarding nutrient runoff, which affects the quality of surface water. Tertiary treatment systems are being implemented to eliminate surplus nitrogen and phosphorus before discharge. Uses in livestock operations and food crop processing enable cleaner effluent and environmental compliance. Sustainable agriculture technology adoption is encouraged through government-subsidized programs. Rural areas are applying decentralized, mobile, and affordable tertiary systems. Water conservation and protection become essential as water scarcity becomes a priority, and agricultural players embrace innovative tertiary solutions for improved water and land management.

These opportunities for growth illustrate how sectors in Canada are complying with stricter environmental regulations, scarcity of water, and sustainability objectives. Whether or not it is minimizing industrial discharge, facilitating water reuse, or treating municipal effluent, tertiary systems are becoming a part of future-proofed infrastructure. Demand is particularly high in applications involving high-efficiency purification and modular deployment. As environmental consciousness increases and regulatory expectations change, tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment will experience strong growth within Canada‘s industrial and municipal sectors.

Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Canada Drivers and Challenges

The tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Canada is driven by a dynamic combination of drivers and challenges extending along economic, environmental, and regulatory fronts. Innovations in technology, more stringent water discharge regulations, and sustainability initiatives are propelling adoption, while cost constraints and geographical disparities are acting as inhibitors. Increasing industrialization and environmental consciousness have grown the demand for purified water in rural and urban Canada. Challenges like high costs of capital, technological complexity, and decentralized governance can hamper implementation and expansion. This analysis identifies key drivers influencing the development and performance of this emerging market.

The factors responsible for driving the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Canada include:

• Increasing environmental and regulatory compliance requirements: Canada has stringent regulations for discharging effluent under provincial and national legislation. Tertiary equipment plays a fundamental role in addressing parameters involving nutrient removal, microbial safety, and heavy metal reduction. Municipalities and industries need to invest in sophisticated treatment systems to prevent fines and minimize environmental footprint. The demand for compliance with legislation like the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations has established consistent demand. Such regulations are the drivers of the deployment of effective, space-saving, and high-performance systems that are consistent with environmental policies and sustainability protocols.
• Growing urbanization and water reuse projects: With growing populations in cities, demands on city water systems have grown more intense. Cities are now looking to reuse as a means of coping with scarce freshwater resources. Tertiary equipment is critical to the recovery of treated water for non-potable purposes, including irrigation and industrial processes. Canadian cities are also upgrading their water systems in anticipation of future growth. This stimulates investment in tertiary systems that enable decentralized treatment and climate resilience. Urban sustainability plans further underscore the significance of advanced treatment technologies.
• Growth in industrial and resource-based industries: Canada‘s industrial industries, especially food processing, energy, and chemicals, are increasing production and water use. With rising environmental awareness, these industries are implementing tertiary systems for compliance with discharge needs and better water efficiency. Equipment such as membrane systems and UV disinfection units are increasingly being used for industrial wastewater polishing. Demand is particularly strong in resource-intensive provinces, where treatment capacity is tied to operational permits and public acceptance. This sectoral growth is a major booster of market activity.
• Increasing growth of decentralized and mobile systems: Remote areas, First Nations communities, and small towns across Canada typically do not have centralized wastewater infrastructure. This has established a robust market for decentralized tertiary treatment technology that can be portable, modular, and expandable. These systems enable customized water quality management and seamless integration into existing configurations. Government incentives facilitate upgrades in underserved areas, stimulating further adoption. As decentralization emerges as a primary strategy for national water equity and resilience, flexible tertiary systems are in increasing demand.
• Innovation and technological advancement: Treatment technology innovation has streamlined tertiary systems, making them compact, efficient, and cost-effective. Canadian companies are integrating automation, energy recovery, and real-time monitoring capabilities into high-end treatment modules. Advanced oxidation processes and membrane bioreactors are being used in industrial and municipal applications. These technologies minimize lifecycle costs and enhance system reliability. With ongoing innovation, more industries are looking into tertiary equipment as a long-term solution for operations and compliance sustainability.

Challenges in the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Canada are:

• Sustained high capital and operational costs: One of the most significant challenges in the Canadian market is the prohibitive cost of tertiary equipment purchase, installation, and maintenance. Small towns and industrial companies can be short of funds for large-scale infrastructure upgrades. This restricts adoption, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. While long-term water reuse savings are large, upfront capital costs can slow down implementation. Financial incentives and public-private partnerships are frequently necessary to fill the affordability gap and move forward with deployment.
• Fragmented regulatory mandates: Canada‘s water governance system involves federal, provincial, and municipal regulations, with a tendency to result in dual responsibilities and uneven enforcement. This fragmentation might make it harder to obtain permits, slow equipment approval, and generate confusion for stakeholders. Harmonized policy frameworks are necessary in order to simplify tertiary system deployment and enhance regulatory clarity. Without harmonized standards, some users might postpone or refrain from adopting new systems because of ambiguous requirements.
• Deficiency in expert operators and technical capabilities: The operation and maintenance of tertiary treatment systems call for trained staff and technical expertise. A few remote or small-scale operators in Canada struggle to employ trained personnel to monitor system operations. The sophistication of high technologies like membrane systems or UV disinfection raises the stakes for operator training and support services. Such a talent shortage can affect system performance and discourage adoption in some areas. Workforce development initiatives and remote monitoring solutions are essential to overcome this challenge.

The Canadian market for tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment is advancing because of regulatory drive, industrial development, and urban needs for sustainability. Drivers including decentralized system demand and technological advancement are defining robust potential for growth. There are still hurdles in the form of high costs, regulatory sophistication, and manpower shortages. Overcoming these hurdles through finance, technical assistance, and policy support will be critical to realize the market‘s full potential. A balanced focus on compliance, innovation, and capacity-building is crucial for sustainable long-term growth.

List of Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Canada Companies

Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies, tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment companies cater to increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base.

Some of the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment companies profiled in this report include:

• Company 1
• Company 2
• Company 3
• Company 4
• Company 5

Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Canada by Segment

The study includes a forecast for the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Canada by equipment and application.

Equipment [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Tertiary Clarifier
• Filter
• Chlorination Systems

Application [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Municipal
• Industrial
• Others

Features of the Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Canada

• Market Size Estimates: Tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment in Canada market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
• Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
• Segmentation Analysis: Tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment in Canada market size by equipment and application in terms of value ($B).
• Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different equipment and application for the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment in Canada.
• Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment in Canada.
• Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.

This report answers the following 10 key questions:

Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Canada by equipment (tertiary clarifier, filter, and chlorination systems), and application (municipal, industrial, and others)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.4. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.5. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.6. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.7. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.8. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.9. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.10. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?