Global Wastewater Treatment Services Market: A Report on Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Executive Summary: Aligning Market Growth with Global Sustainability

The Global Wastewater Treatment Services Market is projected to expand from USD 48.8 billion in 2024 to USD 96.0 billion by 2034, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.0%. This growth is intrinsically linked to the global pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). The market’s expansion signifies a concerted global effort to improve water quality, protect public health in line with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and build resilient infrastructure as per SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). In 2024, the Asia-Pacific region leads this charge, holding a 41.8% market share valued at USD 20.3 billion, underscoring its critical role in achieving these global targets.

• Market Valuation: Expected to reach USD 96.0 Billion by 2034.
• Projected Growth: 7.0% CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
• Dominant Service Type: Operation and Maintenance services command a 44.8% market share, crucial for the long-term success of SDG 6 initiatives.
• Key Application Area: Industrial wastewater treatment holds a 52.7% share, highlighting the importance of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
• Regional Leader: Asia-Pacific dominates with a 41.8% share, driven by large-scale government programs aligned with the SDGs.

Market Dynamics and Alignment with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Market Drivers: Regulatory Frameworks and Environmental Stewardship

The primary driver for the wastewater treatment services market is the implementation of stringent government regulations and heightened environmental awareness. These factors directly support the achievement of several SDGs:

• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Governments worldwide are enacting policies to halve the proportion of untreated wastewater (Target 6.3). For example, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandates advanced treatment systems, compelling facilities to improve water quality before discharge.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Industries, particularly in the food and beverage sector, are adopting sustainable practices to manage effluents. In 2023, over 40% of food processors invested in treatment technologies as part of their sustainability strategies, contributing to the environmentally sound management of waste (Target 12.4).
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water) & SDG 15 (Life on Land): By minimizing the discharge of pollutants, these services are vital for protecting marine and terrestrial ecosystems from contamination.

Market Restraints: Overcoming Barriers to SDG Implementation

High capital costs and financial constraints present significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of advanced wastewater treatment systems, thereby hindering progress toward SDG targets. The initial investment for upgrading a facility can average USD 5 million, a substantial barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, ongoing operational and maintenance costs, cited by 55% of small-to-medium food processors as a major challenge, impede the sustainable management of water infrastructure required to meet SDG 6 and SDG 9.

Market Opportunities: Advancing Water Circularity for SDG 12

A significant opportunity lies in the adoption of water recycling and reuse, which directly addresses SDG 12.2 (achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources). As water scarcity intensifies, circular economy models that treat and recycle wastewater for non-potable applications are gaining prominence. In 2023, 30% of U.S. food processing plants had implemented water recycling systems. Government incentives, such as the EPA’s provision of over USD 10 million in grants for such projects, are accelerating this transition and creating growth avenues for service providers.

Market Segmentation Analysis through the SDG Lens

By Service Type: Ensuring Operational Excellence for SDG 6

In 2024, Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services dominated the market with a 44.8% share. This segment is fundamental to ensuring the long-term functionality and efficiency of water infrastructure, a cornerstone of SDG 6. Continuous O&M ensures that treatment facilities consistently meet regulatory standards, protect public health, and contribute to sustainable water management. These services are essential for maintaining the operational integrity of investments made toward achieving clean water and sanitation for all.

By Application: Fostering Sustainable Industrial and Urban Development

The market is segmented by application, with each area contributing to distinct SDGs:

• Industrial Wastewater (SDG 9 & SDG 12): This segment leads with a 52.7% market share. Stricter regulations are compelling industries in sectors like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing to adopt advanced treatment services. This shift is crucial for retrofitting industries to be more sustainable (Target 9.4) and promoting responsible production patterns (SDG 12) by enabling water reuse and minimizing pollution.
• Residential & Commercial Wastewater (SDG 11): The treatment of municipal wastewater is central to creating sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). Effective management of residential and commercial wastewater reduces the environmental impact of urban centers (Target 11.6) and protects the health of their inhabitants.

Regional Analysis: Localizing the Sustainable Development Goals

Asia-Pacific: Leading the Charge in Sustainable Water Management

The Asia-Pacific region, with a 41.8% market share, is at the forefront of implementing wastewater treatment solutions, driven by government initiatives that directly correlate with the SDGs.

1. India’s National Missions: Programs like the Namami Gange Programme (budget of approx. USD 2.5–3 billion) and AMRUT 2.0 are monumental efforts to achieve SDG 6 by rejuvenating rivers and improving urban sanitation. These initiatives aim to create 5,501 MLD of treatment capacity and mandate wastewater recycling in large cities, directly contributing to SDG 11.
2. China’s Strategic Planning: The 14th Five-Year Plan allocates substantial funding to upgrade water infrastructure, enforcing zero-liquid discharge targets in key industries to advance SDG 9 and SDG 12.
3. Japan and South Korea: These nations serve as benchmarks for innovation in advanced treatment and recycling technologies, demonstrating best practices for achieving a circular water economy.

Innovation and Emerging Trends for Sustainable Development

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Achieving SDG 9 and SDG 12

A key emerging trend is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize wastewater treatment, embodying the spirit of SDG 9 (Innovation). AI-driven systems enhance operational efficiency, predict maintenance needs, and ensure regulatory compliance, thereby promoting sustainable industrial practices (SDG 12). In 2023, over 30% of U.S. food processing plants adopted AI to monitor treatment processes. This technological leap has been shown to reduce energy costs by up to 20% and chemical usage by 15%, making sustainability both environmentally and economically viable.

Key Stakeholder Contributions to the 2030 Agenda

Analysis of Key Players

Leading companies in the market are actively contributing to the SDGs through their service offerings:

• Acciona: A global leader in sustainable water services, Acciona focuses on designing and operating energy-efficient treatment plants that incorporate circular economy principles, directly supporting SDG 6, SDG 9, and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• American Water: As a major U.S. utility, the company provides essential wastewater services, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and investing in smart water technologies to enhance the sustainability and resilience of water infrastructure (SDG 6 & SDG 11).
• Aquatech International LLC: Specializing in industrial wastewater treatment, Aquatech delivers solutions like zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems that are critical for promoting water reuse and responsible resource management in industries (SDG 9 & SDG 12).

Recent Industry Developments

• 3M (2024): The company committed USD 1 billion toward environmental goals, including a project to reduce water use by 25% by 2030. This initiative aligns with SDG 6 and SDG 12 by promoting water conservation and responsible industrial production.
• Acciona (2024): Despite a slight revenue decrease, the company’s water division continues to be a major player in delivering sustainable water infrastructure projects globally, reinforcing its commitment to the SDGs.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire text revolves around wastewater treatment services, which are fundamental to achieving clean water and sanitation. The article discusses government initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission for safe drinking water, the Swachh Bharat Mission for sanitation, and various programs (AMRUT 2.0, Namami Gange) aimed at creating sewage treatment capacity, managing wastewater, and improving water quality through pollution reduction.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The article highlights the development of resilient and sustainable infrastructure. It details the construction and upgrading of water infrastructure, such as sewage treatment plants, sewerage networks (e.g., 5,134 km under Namami Gange), and pipelines. Furthermore, it emphasizes innovation through the adoption of advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the sustainability of industrial processes in wastewater treatment.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The focus on urban wastewater management directly links to this goal. The article mentions the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, which specifically targets cities with populations over 100,000. It details large-scale urban projects in Pune and Delhi to expand sewage infrastructure, demonstrating a clear effort to reduce the environmental impact of cities by managing municipal wastewater effectively.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  This SDG is addressed through the emphasis on resource efficiency, recycling, and reuse. The article discusses how industries are adopting water recycling to reduce water consumption and operational risks. It cites specific targets, such as the AMRUT 2.0 mandate for cities to recycle a minimum of 20% of their wastewater and a corporate commitment by 3M to reduce water use by 25% by 2030, promoting sustainable production patterns.

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  By focusing on treating wastewater before it is discharged, the article implicitly addresses the protection of aquatic ecosystems. Initiatives like the Namami Gange Programme, which aims to rejuvenate the Ganga river, directly contribute to reducing land-based pollution. The treatment of industrial and municipal wastewater prevents harmful pollutants from entering rivers and eventually oceans, thus protecting life below water.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater, and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse.

   The article is centered on this target. It describes efforts to treat industrial and municipal wastewater to reduce pollution. The AMRUT 2.0 mission, which “mandates that cities with populations exceeding 100,000 recycle a minimum of 20% of their wastewater,” and the food industry’s adoption of “water recycling and reuse practices” are direct actions towards this target.

2. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

   The article details significant infrastructure projects. The Namami Gange Programme aims to “create and rehabilitate 5,501 million liters per day (MLD) of sewage treatment capacity and lay 5,134 km of sewerage networks.” Similarly, Maharashtra’s project involves installing “472 km of new collection lines” and constructing “eight sewage treatment plants,” which are clear examples of developing sustainable water infrastructure.

3. Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to municipal and other waste management.

   This target is addressed through urban-focused initiatives. The AMRUT 2.0 scheme and projects in Delhi, which include the installation of “approximately 2.5 lakh new sewer connections,” are aimed at improving municipal wastewater management, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of cities.

4. Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

   The article highlights the opportunity in “water recycling and reuse practices.” It notes that “approximately 30% of food processing plants in the United States had already implemented water recycling systems.” This, along with the 20% recycling mandate under AMRUT 2.0, directly contributes to reducing waste (untreated water) through recycling and reuse.

5. Target 14.1: Prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities.

   The efforts described in the article to treat wastewater from cities and industries before it is discharged into rivers like the Ganga are a primary method of preventing land-based pollution from reaching marine environments. The Namami Gange Mission’s focus on “river rejuvenation” by managing sewage is a direct contribution to this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 6.3 (Improve water quality and increase recycling):

  • Proportion of wastewater safely treated: The creation of “5,501 million liters per day (MLD) of sewage treatment capacity” is a direct quantitative indicator.
  • Recycling rates: The mandate for cities to “recycle a minimum of 20% of their wastewater” serves as a specific performance indicator.
  • Adoption of treatment systems: The report that “nearly 65% of food production facilities were required to implement advanced wastewater treatment systems” is an indicator of progress in the industrial sector.

• For Target 9.1 (Develop sustainable infrastructure):

  • Investment in infrastructure: Financial figures such as “₹24,581 crore” for sewage management projects, “₹332 crore” for the Pune project, and a “₹20,000–22,500 crore” budget for the NMCG are indicators of investment.
  • Length of new networks: The plan to lay “5,134 km of sewerage networks” is a measurable output.
  • Number of new connections: The installation of “2.5 lakh new sewer connections” in Delhi is a specific indicator of infrastructure expansion.

• For Target 12.5 (Reduce waste through recycling/reuse):

  • Corporate water reduction goals: 3M’s commitment to “reduce water use by 20% by 2025 and 25% by 2030” is a measurable corporate indicator.
  • Adoption of recycling technology: The statistic that “approximately 30% of food processing plants… had already implemented water recycling systems” indicates the uptake of reuse practices.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: market.us