GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Wastewater Treatment Industry Statistics

The wastewater treatment industry plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and sustainable management of wastewater to protect public health and the environment, with global market size expected to reach USD 248.26 billion by 2026.

Highlights: Wastewater Treatment Industry Statistics

  • The global wastewater treatment services market was valued at USD 57.4 billion in 2020.
  • The wastewater treatment services market is projected to reach USD 71.6 billion by 2027.
  • It is estimated that 80% of wastewater is discharged into the environment without proper treatment.
  • About 4,000 wastewater treatment plants are in operation within the European Union.
  • Investment needs for U.S. water infrastructure, including wastewater treatment plants, will total $271 billion over the next 25 years.
  • Annually, municipal wastewater treatment plants in the U.S. produce around 7 million tons of biosolids.
  • The Asia-Pacific Wastewater treatment systems market size was valued at USD $51.8 billion in 2018.
  • In Latin America and the Caribbean, only 30% of urban and 10% of rural populations have access to adequate wastewater treatment.
  • The Membrane Wastewater Treatment market is estimated to reach USD 6.8 billion by 2027.
  • The use of bacterial and enzymatic products in wastewater treatment is expected to reach $1 billion by 2024.
  • Around 90% of all wastewater in developing countries is discharged untreated directly into oceans, rivers, and lakes.
  • In the United States, public water systems process around 34 billion gallons of wastewater per day.
  • Approximately 20% of the world's wastewater is treated in high-income countries.
  • It’s projected that by 2050, close to 70% of the world population will live in cities, requiring efficient wastewater management services.
  • The annual operation and maintenance cost for wastewater treatment plants in the U.S. is estimated at $9.5 billion.
  • Europe's water and wastewater treatment market is expected to register a CAGR of above 4% during the forecast period, 2020-2025.
  • The wastewater treatment plants in India treat only 21,862 million liters per day against 61,754 million liters of sewage that cities generate.
  • Around 20% of Canada’s wastewater systems exceed their treatment capacity at least one day per year.

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The Latest Wastewater Treatment Industry Statistics Explained

The global wastewater treatment services market was valued at USD 57.4 billion in 2020.

The statistic stating that the global wastewater treatment services market was valued at USD 57.4 billion in 2020 represents the total market worth of services related to treating and managing wastewater on a global scale during that year. This valuation reflects the significant demand for wastewater treatment services to ensure proper sanitation, environmental protection, and sustainable water management practices. The market size indicates the economic value and importance placed on addressing wastewater treatment and management challenges worldwide, highlighting the growth opportunities and investments in this sector driven by increasing urbanization, industrialization, and regulatory requirements for water quality and environmental protection.

The wastewater treatment services market is projected to reach USD 71.6 billion by 2027.

The statistic signifies that the wastewater treatment services market is expected to experience significant growth and reach a value of USD 71.6 billion by the year 2027. This projection indicates a positive trend in the demand for wastewater treatment services, highlighting an increasing recognition of the importance of proper wastewater management for environmental protection and public health. The anticipated growth suggests potential opportunities for businesses operating in the wastewater treatment sector and underscores the continuous efforts to address global water quality challenges.

It is estimated that 80% of wastewater is discharged into the environment without proper treatment.

The statistic stating that 80% of wastewater is discharged into the environment without proper treatment highlights a significant issue in wastewater management practices globally. This indicates that a large majority of wastewater generated from various sources such as residential, industrial, and agricultural activities is not adequately treated before being released into the environment. This can lead to serious consequences such as water pollution, degradation of water quality, and harm to ecosystems and human health. It underscores the importance of promoting sustainable and responsible wastewater treatment practices to protect the environment and ensure the availability of clean water resources for current and future generations.

About 4,000 wastewater treatment plants are in operation within the European Union.

The statistic that about 4,000 wastewater treatment plants are in operation within the European Union reflects the significant scale of infrastructure dedicated to managing and treating wastewater in the region. These plants play a crucial role in ensuring that water released back into the environment meets environmental standards and is safe for human consumption and ecological balance. The presence of such a large number of treatment plants highlights the EU’s commitment to protecting water quality and the environment. It also indicates the level of investment and resources dedicated to managing and maintaining wastewater treatment infrastructure to promote sustainable development and public health within the European Union.

Investment needs for U.S. water infrastructure, including wastewater treatment plants, will total $271 billion over the next 25 years.

The statistic indicates that there is a projected requirement of $271 billion for investment in water infrastructure in the United States, specifically targeting areas such as wastewater treatment plants, over the course of the next 25 years. This investment is deemed necessary to address existing challenges and requirements in maintaining and upgrading the country’s water infrastructure to ensure efficient and sustainable water management systems. The significant financial commitment highlights the importance of addressing the aging infrastructure and evolving needs of the population to ensure reliable access to clean water and proper wastewater treatment for current and future generations.

Annually, municipal wastewater treatment plants in the U.S. produce around 7 million tons of biosolids.

The statistic suggests that municipal wastewater treatment plants in the U.S. generate a substantial amount of biosolids, with approximately 7 million tons being produced on an annual basis. Biosolids are nutrient-rich organic materials that are created as a byproduct of the sewage treatment process. These materials are typically treated and processed to remove pathogens and chemicals before being used in various beneficial ways such as agricultural applications, soil conditioning, or energy production. The large quantity of biosolids generated by wastewater treatment plants highlights both the scale of wastewater treatment processes in the U.S. and the potential for utilizing these biosolids in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways.

The Asia-Pacific Wastewater treatment systems market size was valued at USD $51.8 billion in 2018.

The statistic stating that the Asia-Pacific wastewater treatment systems market was valued at USD $51.8 billion in 2018 indicates the financial magnitude of the industry within the region during that year. This figure reflects the total economic value of goods and services related to wastewater treatment systems, including equipment, technologies, and services provided for the treatment and management of wastewater in the Asia-Pacific region. The market size highlights the significant investments and activities in the wastewater treatment sector, reflecting the growing importance of addressing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements related to water pollution and sanitation in the region. Additionally, the market size provides insights into the potential growth opportunities and trends that may impact the industry’s development in the future.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, only 30% of urban and 10% of rural populations have access to adequate wastewater treatment.

This statistic indicates that in Latin America and the Caribbean, a significant portion of both urban and rural populations lack access to adequate wastewater treatment services. Only 30% of the urban population and 10% of the rural population have access to facilities that can effectively treat wastewater before it is released back into the environment. This lack of access to proper wastewater treatment can lead to serious environmental and public health concerns, as untreated wastewater poses risks such as water pollution, spread of disease, and contamination of water sources. Addressing this issue by investing in and expanding wastewater treatment infrastructure is crucial to improving the overall health and well-being of communities in the region.

The Membrane Wastewater Treatment market is estimated to reach USD 6.8 billion by 2027.

The statistic indicates that the Membrane Wastewater Treatment market is projected to grow significantly, with an estimated value of USD 6.8 billion by the year 2027. This suggests a notable increase in the demand for membrane-based technologies in treating wastewater, likely driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and increasing environmental concerns. The growing awareness about water scarcity and the need for sustainable water management practices are expected to fuel the adoption of membrane wastewater treatment solutions in various industries and municipalities globally. Overall, the forecasted market value points towards a promising future for the membrane wastewater treatment sector in addressing water quality challenges and promoting sustainable development.

The use of bacterial and enzymatic products in wastewater treatment is expected to reach $1 billion by 2024.

The statistic indicates that the market size for bacterial and enzymatic products used in wastewater treatment is projected to reach $1 billion by the year 2024. This growth suggests an increasing reliance on these biological products to effectively treat wastewater, highlighting a shift towards environmentally-friendly and sustainable treatment methods. The rise in demand for such products may be driven by factors such as stricter environmental regulations, the need for cost-effective solutions in wastewater treatment plants, and a growing awareness of the importance of preserving water quality. Additionally, advancements in research and technology in the field of microbiology and enzymology may be contributing to the development of more efficient and specialized products for wastewater treatment applications.

Around 90% of all wastewater in developing countries is discharged untreated directly into oceans, rivers, and lakes.

The statistic highlighting that around 90% of all wastewater in developing countries is discharged untreated directly into oceans, rivers, and lakes underscores a critical issue of water pollution and inadequate wastewater treatment infrastructure. This not only poses severe environmental threats to aquatic ecosystems but also endangers public health by spreading waterborne diseases and contaminants. The lack of proper treatment facilities indicates a significant gap in sustainable development efforts, as untreated wastewater can have far-reaching consequences on both the environment and human well-being. Urgent measures and investments are needed to improve wastewater management practices in developing countries to safeguard water quality, protect ecosystems, and promote public health.

In the United States, public water systems process around 34 billion gallons of wastewater per day.

The statistic that in the United States, public water systems process around 34 billion gallons of wastewater per day highlights the critical role of public water systems in managing and treating large volumes of wastewater to safeguard public health and the environment. The magnitude of 34 billion gallons underscores the immense scale of the infrastructure and resources required to effectively handle and treat wastewater on a daily basis. This statistic underscores the necessity of robust wastewater treatment systems to ensure the cleanliness of water sources, protect ecosystems, and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, emphasizing the vital importance of public water systems in maintaining public health and environmental sustainability.

Approximately 20% of the world’s wastewater is treated in high-income countries.

This statistic indicates that only about 20% of the global wastewater is treated in high-income countries, with the remaining 80% going untreated or receiving inadequate treatment. This stark imbalance highlights a significant disparity in access to proper wastewater management systems between high-income and low-income countries. In high-income countries, investments in advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure have resulted in a higher percentage of wastewater being treated before release into the environment. However, in low-income countries, limited resources and infrastructure challenges often result in untreated or poorly treated wastewater being discharged, leading to environmental pollution and public health risks. Addressing this disparity is crucial for global sustainability and health.

It’s projected that by 2050, close to 70% of the world population will live in cities, requiring efficient wastewater management services.

The statistic projects that by the year 2050, approximately 70% of the global population will be residing in urban areas, emphasizing the growing importance of efficient wastewater management services in cities. As more people migrate to urban areas, the need for adequate sanitation and wastewater infrastructure becomes critical to maintain public health and environmental sustainability. The increasing urbanization trend highlights the necessity for urban planners, policymakers, and authorities to prioritize investments in wastewater treatment facilities and services to accommodate the rising urban population’s demands and ensure proper disposal and treatment of wastewater to prevent pollution and health hazards.

The annual operation and maintenance cost for wastewater treatment plants in the U.S. is estimated at $9.5 billion.

The statistic indicates that the total annual expenditure for operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants in the United States is approximately $9.5 billion. This figure represents the combined costs for activities such as monitoring, cleaning, repairing, and optimizing the functioning of these facilities to ensure the proper treatment of wastewater and protection of the environment. The substantial investment in maintaining these plants underscores the critical importance of wastewater management for public health and environmental preservation. Monitoring trends in these costs can provide valuable insights into the efficiency and sustainability of wastewater treatment operations across the country.

Europe’s water and wastewater treatment market is expected to register a CAGR of above 4% during the forecast period, 2020-2025.

The statistic stating that Europe’s water and wastewater treatment market is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of above 4% during the forecast period of 2020-2025 indicates a positive trend in the industry’s growth over the next five years. This projection suggests that the demand for water and wastewater treatment solutions in Europe is likely to increase steadily, driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, environmental regulations, and infrastructure development. A CAGR of above 4% implies a moderate but consistent growth rate, signifying opportunities for market expansion, technological advancements, and investment in sustainable water management practices in the region.

The wastewater treatment plants in India treat only 21,862 million liters per day against 61,754 million liters of sewage that cities generate.

The statistic indicates that in India, the wastewater treatment plants collectively only have the capacity to treat 21,862 million liters per day, while cities in the country generate a significantly larger volume of sewage, estimated at 61,754 million liters per day. This stark disparity highlights a major infrastructure gap between sewage generation and treatment capacity in the country. The inadequate treatment of sewage poses serious environmental and public health risks, as untreated sewage can pollute water sources, lead to the spread of diseases, and harm ecosystems. Addressing this imbalance will require significant investments in improving and expanding wastewater treatment infrastructure across India to ensure proper treatment and disposal of sewage on a larger scale.

Around 20% of Canada’s wastewater systems exceed their treatment capacity at least one day per year.

The statistic “Around 20% of Canada’s wastewater systems exceed their treatment capacity at least one day per year” indicates that a significant portion of Canada’s wastewater infrastructure is experiencing overload issues. This suggests that these systems are unable to effectively treat the volume of wastewater they receive on certain days, potentially leading to environmental concerns such as untreated sewage being released into water bodies or strained treatment processes. This statistic highlights the challenges faced by some wastewater infrastructure in Canada and the need for investment and improvements to ensure efficient and effective wastewater treatment to protect the environment and public health.

References

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How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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