Report on the U.S. Water and Wastewater Treatment Technologies Market and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Executive Summary

The United States water and wastewater treatment technologies market is experiencing significant growth, driven by regulatory pressures, technological innovation, and the urgent need to modernize aging infrastructure. This expansion is critically aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The market is projected to reach $24.63 billion by 2029, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% from 2022. This report analyzes the market’s dynamics through the lens of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Market Drivers and Linkages to Sustainable Development Goals

Advancing SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The core function of the water and wastewater treatment market is to advance SDG 6. The increasing demand for these technologies is a direct response to the need for safe, reliable, and accessible water resources.

• Improving Water Quality (Target 6.3): Stricter environmental regulations are compelling facilities to adopt advanced systems that reduce pollution and minimize the release of hazardous materials. This includes upgrading from secondary biological treatment to advanced systems for nitrogen and phosphorus removal, directly contributing to halving the proportion of untreated wastewater.
• Promoting Water Reuse (Target 6.3 & 6.a): Dwindling freshwater supplies have made water reuse a critical strategy. The market supports this by providing technologies for closed-loop systems in industrial sectors and producing high-quality effluent for urban, landscaping, and agricultural reuse, thereby increasing recycling and safe reuse.

Supporting SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The market plays a vital role in public health by mitigating water-related health risks, directly supporting SDG 3.

• Reducing Waterborne Diseases (Target 3.9): A heightened awareness of waterborne diseases has increased demand for advanced treatment technologies capable of effectively removing contaminants. This investment in superior water management solutions helps to substantially reduce illnesses and deaths from water pollution and contamination.

Fostering SDG 9 and SDG 12: Sustainable Infrastructure and Production

The modernization of water infrastructure and the adoption of efficient technologies are central to achieving sustainable industrialization and responsible production patterns.

• Upgrading Infrastructure (Target 9.1 & 9.4): The market’s growth is fueled by the need to replace and upgrade aging water systems with resilient and sustainable infrastructure. The adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies, such as membrane filtration, helps retrofit industries for greater resource-use efficiency.
• Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.2): The push for industrial water reuse, particularly in the oil and gas and manufacturing sectors, exemplifies a shift towards sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. This reduces freshwater consumption and operational costs, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.

Technological Landscape and Market Segmentation

Dominance of Advanced Technologies

The market is characterized by a shift towards more efficient and less resource-intensive technologies. The membrane separation technology segment is projected to lead market growth, driven by its alignment with sustainability objectives.

1. Membrane Separation & Filtration: This segment, including reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration, is expanding rapidly due to its high efficiency in contaminant removal, lower energy consumption compared to traditional methods, and reduced need for chemical inputs. This directly supports SDG 9 by promoting clean technologies.
2. Sludge Management Technology: Effective sludge management is crucial for minimizing the environmental impact of wastewater treatment, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12.
3. Activated Sludge and Clarification: These foundational technologies are being enhanced and integrated with advanced systems to meet more stringent effluent standards, as required by regulations aimed at achieving SDG 6.

Key Market Participants

The market is led by several key players who are instrumental in developing and deploying technologies that support global sustainability targets. These include:

• Suez Environnement S.A. (France)
• Veolia Environnement SA. (France)
• Xylem, Inc. (U.S.)
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (U.S.)
• 3M Company, Inc. (U.S.)
• Pentair plc (U.K.)
• Kurita Water Industries Ltd. (Japan)
• Calgon Carbon Corporation (U.S.)
• Ecolab, Inc. (U.S.)

Strategic Outlook and Future Contributions to the 2030 Agenda

The U.S. water and wastewater treatment technologies market is in a transformative phase. The convergence of regulatory mandates, environmental imperatives, and economic incentives creates a robust environment for continued growth. Future opportunities will lie with companies that develop integrated, energy-efficient solutions that address multiple sustainability challenges simultaneously. As the market progresses towards 2030, its innovations will be increasingly vital for achieving national and global targets for clean water, public health, and sustainable industrial and urban development.

Identified Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 14: Life Below Water

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of… water-borne diseases…
     
     The article directly connects the demand for water treatment technologies to public health, stating, “The rise in waterborne diseases has raised awareness about water quality issues, increasing the demand for advanced treatment technologies.” This shows a clear link to combating water-borne illnesses.
   • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.
     
     The focus on “advanced treatment technologies” that can “effectively remove contaminants” and “manage multiple contaminants at once” directly supports this target by aiming to reduce illness from polluted water.

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
     
     This target is central to the article. It discusses “wastewater treatment technologies,” the need to meet “tougher effluent standards,” and highlights “Water Reuse: A Critical Industry Imperative.” The goal is to produce “cleaner wastewater that can be reused,” directly aligning with improving water quality and promoting reuse.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure…
     
     The article identifies “urgent infrastructure needs” and the goal to “modernize America’s water infrastructure” as key market drivers, which directly relates to developing sustainable and resilient water infrastructure.
   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable… with greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes…
     
     The article emphasizes the shift towards “advanced technologies” like “membrane separation,” which are described as “energy-efficient” and reducing “chemical use.” It also mentions industries adopting “closed-loop systems to cut freshwater consumption,” which is a clear example of retrofitting for sustainability.

4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
     
     The article addresses this target by highlighting that “water reuse has become essential” due to “dwindling freshwater supplies and rising demand.” The push for industries to “cut freshwater consumption” is a direct effort towards the efficient use of water resources.

5. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including… nutrient pollution.
     
     The article specifically mentions that “regulations aimed at nitrogen and phosphorus removal have pressured facilities to upgrade.” Nitrogen and phosphorus are primary causes of nutrient pollution from land-based wastewater discharge, making this directly relevant to protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Target 3.3 / 3.9 (Health)

   • Incidence of waterborne diseases: The article implies this is a key metric by stating that the “rise in waterborne diseases” is a major driver for the market. A reduction in this incidence would indicate progress.

2. Target 6.3 (Water Quality & Reuse)

   • Proportion of wastewater safely treated: The article’s focus on the growth of the “U.S. water and wastewater treatment technologies market” to “$24.63 billion by 2029” serves as a financial proxy for the increasing capacity and proportion of wastewater being treated.
   • Volume of water reused: The emphasis on “industrial water reuse” and “onsite water reuse” implies that the quantity or percentage of water being recycled is a critical indicator of success in achieving water security and efficiency.

3. Target 9.1 / 9.4 (Infrastructure & Technology)

   • Investment in sustainable water infrastructure: The market size forecast (“$24.63 billion by 2029”) and its “annual growth rate of 5%” are direct financial indicators of the investment being made to upgrade and modernize water infrastructure.
   • Adoption rate of advanced/clean technologies: The article points to the high growth of the “membrane separation technology segment” as an indicator of the shift towards more sustainable and efficient technologies.

4. Target 14.1 (Pollution Reduction)

   • Level of nutrient concentration in treated effluent: The mention of regulations for “nitrogen and phosphorus removal” and the need to meet “tougher effluent standards” implies that the measured concentration of these pollutants in discharged water is a key performance indicator.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: openpr.com