Water Treatment Chemicals Market Size and Overview:

The Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market was valued at USD 39.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2025 to 2030. The market is projected to reach USD 57.2 billion by 2030.

The Water Treatment Chemicals Market involves chemical products designed to improve water quality, remove contaminants, and maintain safe water for human consumption, industrial processes, and environmental discharge. Increasing global awareness regarding water scarcity, coupled with the rapid expansion of industrial activities and tightening water quality regulations, is propelling the demand for advanced treatment solutions. Moreover, the increasing adoption of sustainable treatment technologies and eco-friendly formulations has accelerated the market’s transformation, particularly in municipal and industrial applications across emerging economies.

Key Market Insights:
Asia-Pacific accounted for more than 35% of the total revenue share in 2024, led by China and India’s industrial and urban water treatment projects.

Coagulants and flocculants contributed over 28% of total market revenue in 2024, dominating product demand due to widespread use in municipal water purification.

The industrial segment represented around 55% of the market’s end-use, as industries increasingly adopt recycling and zero-liquid-discharge systems.

The food and beverage sector saw a 20% increase in demand for corrosion and scale inhibitors between 2023 and 2024 due to hygiene and water reuse standards.

The municipal water treatment segment is projected to grow fastest at over 7% CAGR as countries invest in water infrastructure modernization.

Bio-based and environmentally friendly chemical formulations are gaining traction, particularly in Europe and North America, to comply with green chemistry regulations.
Technological advancements in membrane cleaning and chemical blending have improved treatment efficiency, reducing overall operational costs for end users.

Overlaying real-time advanced analytics on data from online sensing can help stabilize operations and increase capacity in water treatment facilities. For example, improvements such as better sensors (flow, pH, density) + cloud-based dashboards helped a reactor-clarifier facility increase its treatment capacity by ~25% and eliminate frequent operational upsets.

Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market Drivers:

Rising Industrialization and Growing Water Scarcity is driving the market growth
Rapid industrial growth across developing economies has led to increased wastewater generation, necessitating effective treatment solutions to meet environmental discharge standards. Water scarcity concerns are intensifying globally due to declining freshwater reserves and climate change impacts, driving industries to recycle and reuse water. Manufacturing units in sectors such as textiles, chemicals, food & beverage, and power generation are increasingly reliant on high-performance water treatment chemicals to maintain process efficiency and minimize water wastage. Countries like India, China, and Brazil have implemented stricter industrial wastewater discharge norms, further propelling market demand. Additionally, industrial zones and smart cities are incorporating advanced treatment systems that require optimized chemical formulations for efficient performance. With industrial water demand expected to grow by over 40% by 2030, the need for chemicals like coagulants, corrosion inhibitors, and disinfectants will rise significantly. This trend underscores a shift toward sustainable industrial water management, where treatment chemicals play an essential role in ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining resource efficiency.

Government Regulations and Sustainability Initiatives is driving the market growth
Stringent environmental regulations by agencies such as the U.S. EPA, European Commission, and national water boards in Asia have intensified the adoption of chemical-based treatment solutions. These policies emphasize safe discharge, minimal contamination, and reduced ecological footprint, pushing both municipal and industrial sectors toward reliable water treatment practices. The increasing number of wastewater treatment plants being established under national sustainability programs, such as India’s Namami Gange Mission and China’s Water Pollution Prevention Action Plan, reinforces the demand for water treatment chemicals. Simultaneously, global initiatives promoting sustainable water usage and circular economy concepts have encouraged manufacturers to invest in eco-friendly and biodegradable formulations. Many companies are focusing on low-toxicity products that meet REACH and EPA standards. Furthermore, sustainability trends such as zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) systems are creating long-term demand for specialty chemicals capable of supporting water recovery and reuse. These combined regulatory and environmental drivers are positioning water treatment chemicals as a crucial component in achieving sustainable water management goals worldwide.

Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market Challenges and Restraints:

Volatility in Raw Material Prices and Rising Environmental Concerns is restricting the market growth
The production of water treatment chemicals relies heavily on raw materials derived from petrochemical feedstocks, such as chlorine, sulfuric acid, and caustic soda. Fluctuating prices of these inputs significantly impact production costs, particularly in a market increasingly focused on price competitiveness. In recent years, supply chain disruptions and rising energy prices have further intensified cost pressures on manufacturers. Additionally, growing environmental and health concerns over the toxicity of certain conventional chemicals, such as chlorine-based biocides and heavy-metal inhibitors, are leading to stricter regulations and limited product use in some regions. Compliance with these evolving safety standards requires additional R&D investments, which can constrain profit margins. Moreover, the gradual shift toward green chemistry and biodegradable alternatives introduces higher production costs and longer approval timelines. This dual challenge of cost instability and regulatory compliance continues to hinder growth, particularly for small and mid-sized chemical producers, who face difficulties in adapting to these evolving market dynamics.

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Opportunities:

The global market for water treatment chemicals is positioned for strong growth as industries and municipalities increasingly focus on sustainability, reuse, and resource conservation. Opportunities are emerging from the rapid adoption of smart water management systems and digital monitoring technologies, enabling real-time control of chemical dosing and optimization of water treatment processes. The growing popularity of integrated water treatment systems that combine physical, biological, and chemical processes creates significant potential for customized chemical formulations designed for specific contaminants or industries. Moreover, the shift toward green chemistry presents lucrative opportunities for companies developing biodegradable, non-toxic, and low-residue chemicals. With global urbanization and population growth putting immense pressure on freshwater resources, investments in desalination and water reuse plants are expanding, particularly in arid regions like the Middle East and parts of Africa. These projects will require continuous use of specialty water treatment chemicals for membrane cleaning, scaling prevention, and microbial control. Furthermore, increasing corporate commitments toward achieving ESG targets are prompting industries to adopt advanced water treatment practices, generating steady demand for innovative chemical solutions. Partnerships between chemical producers and water treatment technology firms are expected to drive next-generation formulations tailored for digital monitoring and process efficiency, further widening market opportunities during the forecast period.

WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Segmentation:

Water Treatment Chemicals Market By Product:
• Coagulants & Flocculants
• Corrosion Inhibitors
• Scale Inhibitors
• Biocides & Disinfectants
• Chelating Agents
• pH Adjusters & Stabilizers
• Anti-foaming Agents
• Others

Coagulants and flocculants dominated the product segment in 2024, accounting for nearly 28% of total revenue. Their effectiveness in removing suspended solids, turbidity, and organic matter makes them indispensable for both municipal and industrial water treatment. These chemicals enhance the sedimentation and filtration processes, reducing overall treatment time and cost. Continuous product innovations, such as polymer-based coagulants, are further improving efficiency while minimizing sludge generation. As water treatment facilities upgrade to advanced clarification systems, demand for coagulants and flocculants is expected to remain robust throughout the forecast period.

Water Treatment Chemicals Market By Application:
• Municipal
• Industrial (Power, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Food & Beverage, Pulp & Paper, Others)

The industrial application segment leads the market, contributing over 55% of global revenue in 2024. Increasing wastewater output from heavy industries and the need for consistent water quality for production processes drive chemical consumption. Power plants, refineries, and food processing units are significant contributors, requiring specialized inhibitors and disinfectants to manage scaling, corrosion, and microbial contamination. Government-mandated water reuse policies and zero-liquid discharge systems are further boosting industrial demand.

Water Treatment Chemicals Market By End Use:
• Drinking Water Treatment
• Wastewater Treatment

The wastewater treatment segment dominates the end-use category, representing around 60% of the total market. Rapid urbanization and the need for efficient sewage management systems in developing regions have accelerated the construction of new wastewater treatment facilities. The increasing use of biological treatment methods supported by advanced chemical dosing ensures effective removal of contaminants, minimizing ecological impact.

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Regional Segmentation:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Asia-Pacific dominates the global water treatment chemicals market, accounting for more than 35% of total revenue in 2024. This dominance is driven by rapid industrialization, urban expansion, and growing environmental awareness across countries such as China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Governments are heavily investing in water infrastructure to tackle pollution and ensure safe drinking water availability. The rise of manufacturing industries and thermal power generation has created sustained demand for corrosion inhibitors, biocides, and scale prevention chemicals. Additionally, favorable regulatory frameworks and rising foreign investments in wastewater treatment projects have strengthened the region’s position in the global market. Meanwhile, North America and Europe continue to show steady growth due to stringent environmental standards, modernization of existing water systems, and increasing adoption of eco-friendly chemical solutions.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Water Treatment Chemicals Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic created both disruptions and opportunities within the global water treatment chemicals market. During the early stages of the pandemic, supply chain interruptions, plant shutdowns, and reduced industrial activity led to temporary declines in chemical consumption. However, as awareness about hygiene, sanitation, and water safety increased, the demand for disinfectants, biocides, and pH adjusters surged across municipal and healthcare applications. The need for clean water became even more critical, prompting governments to enhance investments in water infrastructure. Industrial facilities resumed operations with a stronger focus on maintaining process hygiene, further boosting chemical usage. Remote monitoring and digital dosing solutions gained prominence as companies sought to minimize manual intervention during treatment operations. The pandemic also accelerated the adoption of automation and IoT-enabled systems for water quality monitoring, ensuring process stability and regulatory compliance. In the long term, the global health crisis has reinforced the importance of resilient and sustainable water treatment systems, positioning the chemical segment for sustained growth through 2030.

Latest Trends/Developments:

Recent developments in the water treatment chemicals market reflect a strong transition toward sustainability, digital integration, and innovation in chemical formulation. Companies are investing in R&D to create biodegradable and low-impact products, aligning with stricter global environmental standards. The introduction of smart dosing systems that use AI and IoT technologies enables precise chemical management, improving efficiency while reducing waste. Strategic mergers and acquisitions are reshaping the competitive landscape, allowing major players to expand their portfolios and geographic presence. Another significant trend is the adoption of hybrid treatment systems combining chemical and physical purification technologies to enhance performance and reduce chemical dependency. Furthermore, growing investment in desalination and wastewater recycling projects is driving the demand for specialized chemical blends that can handle complex water chemistries. As industries move toward closed-loop water systems and circular economy practices, water treatment chemicals will play a central role in maintaining process reliability and resource sustainability.

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Key Players:

1. BASF SE
2. Ecolab Inc.
3. Solenis LLC
4. Kemira Oyj
5. SNF Floerger
6. Dow Inc.
7. Suez SA
8. Veolia Water Technologies
9. Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
10. Buckman Laboratories International Inc.

Market News:

• On October 14, 2025, Kemira released its Kemira Water Index 2025, highlighting global water resilience weaknesses and urging more effective strategies in water treatment and resource management.
• On October 6, 2025, Birchtech announced the commercialization of its water treatment solutions, securing ~$0.9 million in initial purchase orders from a large mid-Atlantic utility for filtration media replacement.
• On August 22, 2025, Rochester Midland Corporation acquired Decon Water Technologies, expanding its capabilities in wastewater and water treatment service provision.
• On September 16, 2025, Kemira signed a purchase agreement to acquire Water Engineering, Inc. (US), valuing the deal at about USD 150 million, to strengthen its industrial water treatment service offerings.
• On August 12, 2025, Ecolab announced it would acquire the Ovivo Electronics Unit to bolster its ultra-pure water solutions, especially relevant to semiconductor and high-precision industries.
• On June 10, 2024, Solenis completed the acquisition of Aqua ChemPacs, LLC, specializing in pre-dosed liquid chemical systems for water treatment, to broaden its specialty chemical portfolio.