Water treatment technology market seen reaching $265.9 billion by 2030

Allied Market Research says the global water treatment technology market is on track to grow from $168 billion in 2020 to $265.9 billion by 2030, driven by water scarcity, industrial expansion and stricter environmental rules. The report points to reverse osmosis, corrosion inhibitors and North America as current leaders, while Asia-Pacific is expected to grow fastest.

Why it matters: - Demand for clean water is rising as freshwater supplies tighten and industrial activity expands. - The market outlook points to continued spending on municipal and industrial water purification, wastewater treatment and water recycling. - Higher adoption of advanced treatment systems could help governments and companies meet environmental rules and improve water security.

What happened: - Allied Market Research said the global water treatment technology market was valued at $168.0 billion in 2020. - The market is projected to reach $265.9 billion by 2030. - The report forecasts a 4.8% compound annual growth rate from 2021 to 2030. - The report covers chemicals, membrane systems and end-use industries across the global market. - The report was published June 26, 2026. - More information is available in the sample pages of the research overview. - Additional data and graphs are available through the purchase options page.

The details: - The chemicals segment includes coagulants and flocculants, antifoams and defoamers, corrosion and scale inhibitors, activated carbon, biocides and others. - The membrane system segment includes reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, electrodialysis, gas separation and others. - The end-use categories include municipal, industrial and others. - Corrosion and scale inhibitors held the largest share of the chemicals category in 2020, at nearly one-fourth of the global market. - Coagulants and flocculants are expected to grow fastest in the chemicals category, with a 5.3% CAGR through 2030. - Reverse osmosis held more than two-fifths of membrane-system revenue in 2020. - Ultrafiltration is projected to post the highest membrane-system CAGR at 5.3% through 2030. - North America accounted for nearly one-third of global revenue in 2020. - Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at a 5.4% CAGR through 2030. - The report names AECOM, Ashland Global Holdings, BASF, Aquatech International, Dow, BioMicrobics, PepsiCo, DuPont, Coca-Cola and 3M among the key players.

Between the lines: - High installation and operating costs remain a barrier for advanced treatment systems. - The report frames ongoing research and development spending as a source of future growth. - The strongest growth areas align with lower-cost chemical treatment and membrane systems that address freshwater scarcity. - The regional outlook suggests mature markets will keep buying, while developing economies drive the next wave of expansion.

What's next: - Governments and industries are expected to keep investing in water purification, wastewater treatment and sustainable water management. - Demand for ultrafiltration and coagulants and flocculants may rise as freshwater shortages worsen. - Asia-Pacific growth could accelerate as urban populations expand and safe drinking water needs increase. - The market's long-term trajectory will likely depend on whether technology gains can offset cost pressures.