Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market By Type (Coagulants & Flocculants, Biocides & Disinfectants, Corrosion & Scale Inhibitors, pH Adjusters & Stabilizers, Anti-foaming Agents, Chelating Agents, Oxidants, Others), By Application (Raw Water Treatment, Cooling Water Treatment, Boiler Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Process Water Treatment, Effluent Treatment, Others), By Source (Synthetic Chemicals, Bio-based Chemicals), By End User (Drinking Water Treatment, Sewage Treatment, Oil & Gas, Mining, Food & Beverage, Pulp & Paper, Chemicals Manufacturing, Pharmaceuticals, Others), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

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Industry Outlook

The Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals market accounted for USD 35.02 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 50.91 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 3.46% between 2025 and 2035. The market dedicated to water and wastewater treatment chemicals exists for manufacturing chemicals that enable both water purification and wastewater treatment operations to achieve regulatory standards and maintain water safety. The necessary chemicals for water treatment encompass coagulants, along with flocculants and disinfectants, and scale inhibitors that eliminate contaminants from water at its sources. To prevent pollution, improve water quality, and maintain water usage habits, this market supports municipal water facilities, industrial wastewater management facilities, and oil and gas firms. These chemical products gain market momentum due to rising water rationing conditions, together with environmental contamination and worldwide requirements for efficient wastewater treatment systems.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Technological advancements in water purification and chemical applications.

The worldwide perspective on the future markets for chemicals used in water and wastewater treatment has been the main motivator for our education divisions. To provide wastewater treatment solutions and address the urgent need for clean water, these populations have raised the need for treatment chemicals. Along with pH regulation, several chemicals are used in coagulation, flocculation, and disinfection as part of those processes. The strict environmental regulations, such as those about wastewater discharge and water quality, force the industries to follow compliance standards regarding the chemicals they are using, which in turn pushes them to use advanced chemical treatments in their operations.

The goal of technological developments in chemical formulations is to offer increasingly more sustainable and effective water treatment solutions, which will hopefully result in lower operating costs. For instance, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the chemicals employed for treatment play a significant role in enhancing the quality of the water following treatment. These kinds of developments are essential for safeguarding both the ecology and human health.

Another factor driving this market's expansion has been the heightened focus on cutting chemical waste and increasing water reuse. Countries must have effective water management strategies since climate change has made this a pressing problem that needs to be addressed. More emphasis will be placed on the significance of water scarcity in developing chemical therapies.

Growth in residential, commercial, and industrial infrastructure development.

Development in residential, commercial, and industrial infrastructure continued as the chief growth drivers for the water and wastewater treatment chemicals market. Urbanization means increased demand for a clean and safe water supply and the resulting increased demand for efficient treatment solutions for urban waste. Increased industrial development and manufacturing force more and more people to produce higher amounts of wastewater that require the use of chemicals for treatment before being released or reused.

Enforcement of stringent environmental regulations, especially in compliance with water quality and wastewater disposal, drives demand for advanced treatment processes, thus promoting the use of specialized chemicals. The growing awareness about water conservation and sustainability in industrial processes, coupled with the continuous advancement in the treatment methods, also opens up a market for this chemical treatment.

More population growth and better waste management would further encourage the market's potential in both the developing and developed worlds. The factors above, including an appeal for resource efficiency, thus draw the much-needed impetus for the growth of the water and wastewater treatment chemicals market.

Stringent regulations on chemical production and usage restrictions.

Strict government regulations controlling chemical production and operational use present a huge barrier to the water and wastewater treatment chemicals market. Because industrial chemicals have an impact on ecosystems, human health, and water resources, governments around the world are enacting stricter regulations for environmental safety and preservation. To comply with the regulations, producers must develop eco-friendly and efficient alternatives, which drives up the cost of research and development.

The need for conventional chemicals by businesses will therefore likely decline as a result of the growing environmental concern over chemical pollutants that have long-term effects on ecosystems and the emergence of alternatives for economical and environmentally friendly treatment methods. Serious import-export regulatory barriers instituted by different regions may constrain market development for specific chemicals. Under the pressure of its in-demand innovations, this industrial segment must face tough circumstances from ever-changing regulatory standards.

Potential for wastewater recycling and reuse in industrial sectors.

Increased focus on sustainability and resource conservation is enhancing the potential for wastewater recycling and reuse across many industries. These industries are adopting various water treatment technologies to save freshwater, reduce the costs of operation, and comply with stringent environmental regulations. Reusing wastewater allows businesses to save a lot of money on water treatment and procurement by recycling cleaned water into non-potable uses, including cleaning, irrigation, and cooling systems.

The need for specialized chemical treatment of water and wastewater is therefore expected to rise even more. To ensure safe wastewater reuse and to improve operational performance in sectors including manufacturing, mining, and power generation, these chemicals are essential for optimizing water treatment operations. This growing trend offers chemical producers great chances to develop cutting-edge solutions that enhance environmentally friendly industrial processes while also addressing the world's water shortage issues.

Growing adoption of automation and digitalization in water management.

The chemicals used for water and wastewater treatment are at a great stage of potential, given the automation and digitization of water management processes nowadays. With the gradual incorporation of smart technologies and real-time monitoring systems in water treatment facilities, the requirement for specialty chemicals that aid automated processes will become increasingly significant.

The process of automation, on the one hand, improves operational efficiency and minimizes chemical use while ensuring greater accuracy in water quality management, and digitalization makes more effective use of chemicals through predictive maintenance and ensures timely replenishment. Putting this all together, this congruence also helps promote sustainability, opening avenues for the development of chemical compositions meant to work with advanced treatment systems. Urbanization and stringent control of environmental regulations, and the chemical market will be stimulated by the demand for a next generation of smarter and more efficient water treatment systems.

Industry Experts Opinion

"American Water continues to be the leader in all aspects of the water and wastewater utility industry and is the only pure play, large-cap water utility in the U.S."

• M. Susan Hardwick, CEO of American Water.

Segment Analysis

Based on the type, the Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals market has been classified into Coagulants & Flocculants, Biocides & Disinfectants, Corrosion & Scale Inhibitors, pH Adjusters & Stabilizers, Anti-foaming Agents, Chelating Agents, Oxidants, and Others. In the water and wastewater treatment chemicals market, coagulants and flocculants hold the greatest share. These compounds are vital for eliminating suspended solids and other contaminants because they convert particles into bulk ones, which makes removal easier during filtration or sedimentation. Meet environmental goals, lower turbidity, and enhance water quality with the use of flocculants and coagulants. Since the chemicals are necessary for the treatment of municipal and industrial water, the segment is simple and grows as a result.

Based on the application, the Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals market has been classified into Raw Water Treatment, Cooling Water Treatment, Boiler Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Process Water Treatment, Effluent Treatment, and Others. The water and wastewater treatment chemicals market is expected to be dominated by the wastewater treatment segment. The use of wastewater treatment has expanded over time in tandem with the growth of industries and urbanization, where chemical treatment is necessary to purify the wastewater's byproducts. These chemicals are crucial to ensuring that this treated water meets the environmental requirements for allowing the treated end to return to natural bodies or even for reuse. As a result, this market segment will continue to grow as demand for effective and sustainable wastewater management increases.

Regional Analysis

The Asia Pacific water and wastewater treatment chemicals market is expanding because of rapid urbanization and the quick pace of industrialization, as well as environmental concerns. Nations such as China, India, and Southeast Asian countries invest greatly in upgrading their water infrastructure and enforcing laws concerning effluent discharge. Increasing demands from the power generation, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food processing sectors are additional reasons that have contributed to the rise in the market. Initiatives put forth by the government encourage clean water access and better sustainable water management by attracting public and private investments as well.

Scarcity of fresh water and the development of more efficient water reuse systems hasten the use of advanced treatment chemicals. Though there is advancement of technology along with the movement towards environment-friendly and biodegradable chemistries, there is still an increasing public awareness and international partnerships shaping a dynamic and competitive landscape within the region.

The Middle East and African water and wastewater treatment chemicals market is growing due to several factors. Urbanization, industrial development, and water scarcity continue to increase the demand for effective water treatment in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Africa, and Egypt. Countries in the region have made large expenditures on desalination facilities and industrial wastewater recycling projects, and they have also made significant investments in building water infrastructure. The stricter environmental laws are also encouraging industries to implement sustainable treatment techniques. Despite the market's fragmentation and mix of domestic and international companies, innovation and cost-effectiveness continue to be their primary differentiators.

Climate challenges and limited freshwater resources amplify the need for efficient treatment chemicals. The proposed public and private sector initiatives toward long-term water sustainability provide the market for steady growth. Different technological advancements, such as smart dosing systems and eco-friendly formulations, give industries a peek at changes. Overall, partnerships between governments and private concerns speed up progress in the region to achieve water security goals.

Competitive Landscape

The water and wastewater treatment chemicals market is highly competitive, where key players like BASF SE, Ecolab Inc., Kemira Oyj, Solenis LLC, and Veolia North America are at the forefront of changing and developing the market. These companies are expanding their product portfolio, sustainable development practices, and technological interventions to keep ahead of the increasing environmental regulations and challenges of water scarcity. Ecolab has been improving its digital solutions to increase the effectiveness of water treatment, while Kemira invests in cutting-edge wastewater treatment technologies.

Veolia recently branched out into new markets with a focus on environmentally friendly solutions, such as recycling water. To improve market position, partnerships and acquisitions are happening more frequently. To increase their consumer bases, Solenis and Clariant, for instance, have forged strategic alliances. These developments reveal the market's increased focus on regional and technological expansion. In response to the growing global demand for clean water, companies are investing in more ecologically friendly solutions and establishing themselves as sustainability leaders. The digitization of water management systems is anticipated to have a major influence on future market trends.

Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In April 2025, researchers at Stanford University developed a new resin technology to purify wastewater. The resin also recovered valuable nutrients like ammonia. This ammonia could be used to make fertilizer. Their innovation offered a sustainable solution to address water scarcity.

Report Coverage:

By Type

• Coagulants & Flocculants
• Biocides & Disinfectants
• Corrosion & Scale Inhibitors
• pH Adjusters & Stabilizers
• Anti-foaming Agents
• Chelating Agents
• Oxidants
• Others

By Application

• Raw Water Treatment
• Cooling Water Treatment
• Boiler Water Treatment
• Wastewater Treatment
• Process Water Treatment
• Effluent Treatment
• Others

By Source

• Synthetic Chemicals
• Bio-based Chemicals

By End User

• Drinking Water Treatment
• Sewage Treatment
• Oil & Gas
• Mining
• Food & Beverage
• Pulp & Paper
• Chemicals Manufacturing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• BASF SE
• Ecolab Inc.
• Kemira Oyj
• Solenis LLC
• Feralco Group
• Veolia North America
• Dow Inc.
• Arkema S.A.
• Lonza Group
• Ineos Group
• Tata Chemicals Limited
• AkzoNobel N.V.
• GEO Specialty Chemicals
• Clariant International Ltd.
• Shandong Xinlong Environmental Protection Co. Ltd.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)