U.S. Wastewater Secondary Treatment Equipment Market (2025 - 2030)

Market Size & Trends

The U.S. wastewater secondary treatment equipment market size was valued at USD 2.62 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2025 to 2030. This growth can be attributed to the stringent government regulations aimed at managing wastewater emissions from municipal and industrial sectors are a primary catalyst, as agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforce standards to ensure water quality. In addition, increasing public awareness about environmental sustainability and the necessity for clean water further drives the demand. Furthermore, the need for infrastructure upgrades due to aging facilities and rapid urbanization also contributes significantly to market expansion, creating opportunities for innovative treatment technologies.

The wastewater secondary treatment equipment market in the U.S. is poised for significant growth, primarily driven by stringent government regulations aimed at managing wastewater emissions from both municipal and industrial sectors. Wastewater secondary treatment equipment refers to systems designed to treat wastewater by removing organic matter and pollutants, ensuring that the water is safe for discharge or reuse. As awareness of water scarcity and pollution increases, regulatory bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforce stricter standards to protect water quality.

In addition, industries are compelled to invest in advanced treatment technologies to comply with environmental standards and ensure the availability of clean, potable water, leading to the growth of the market. This heightened focus on sustainable practices is further supported by government initiatives that emphasize the importance of water conservation and recycling. Furthermore, as the population continues to grow and urbanization accelerates, there is a pressing need for effective wastewater management solutions.

Moreover, the combination of regulatory pressure and increasing public awareness about environmental issues creates a favorable landscape for adopting wastewater secondary treatment equipment. Companies will likely explore innovative solutions that enhance treatment efficiency while minimizing operational costs.

Equipment Type Insights

The complete-mix activated sludge (CMAS) equipment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 17.1% in 2024. This growth can be attributed to the increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability and the need for reliable treatment solutions, enhancing the appeal of CMAS technology in meeting regulatory compliance and improving water quality. In addition, CMAS systems are known for their efficiency in treating varying wastewater loads, making them suitable for diverse applications.

The membrane bioreactor (MBR) is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2025 to 2030, owing to increasing demand for effective water treatment solutions stems from diminishing freshwater supplies and stringent environmental regulations. In addition, urbanization and industrialization contribute to higher wastewater generation, necessitating advanced treatment technologies such as MBRs, which offer superior effluent quality and resource recovery capabilities. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting sustainable practices further stimulate the adoption of MBR systems across municipal and industrial sectors.

Application Insights

The municipal segment led the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 61.1% in 2024, primarily driven by rapid urbanization and population growth, leading to increased wastewater generation and necessitating efficient management solutions. In addition, stringent regulations, such as those enforced by the Clean Water Act, require municipalities to meet high standards for wastewater treatment, prompting investments in advanced technologies, thereby driving the segment’s growth. Moreover, aging infrastructure further drives the need for upgrades, compelling municipalities to adopt modern secondary treatment equipment to ensure compliance and protect water quality.

The industrial application segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% over the forecast period, owing to stringent environmental regulations requiring industries to implement effective wastewater treatment solutions to minimize pollution and comply with legal standards. In addition, as industries face increasing scrutiny over their environmental impact, there is a growing demand for advanced treatment technologies that enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. Furthermore, the need for sustainable practices and resource recovery within various sectors encourages investments in innovative secondary treatment equipment tailored for industrial applications.

Key U.S. Wastewater Secondary Treatment Equipment Company Insights

Key companies in the U.S. wastewater secondary treatment equipment industry include Xylem, Inc., Pentair plc, Ecolab Inc., and others. These companies are implementing various strategies to enhance their competitive edge. These strategies include mergers and acquisitions to expand their product portfolios and market reach and invest in research and development for innovative product offerings. In addition, companies are focusing on partnerships and collaborations to leverage technological advancements and improve service delivery. Furthermore, they are also emphasizing customer-centric approaches to tailor solutions that meet specific regulatory requirements and operational needs.

• Xylem, Inc. manufactures a comprehensive range of products, including biological wastewater treatment systems, advanced aeration technologies, filtration equipment, and disinfection solutions.

• Ecolab Inc. offers products and services that include chemical treatment programs, monitoring systems, and advanced filtration technologies designed to optimize wastewater processes.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Ecolab acquired Barclay Water Management to enhance its capabilities in water treatment solutions. This acquisition is expected to bolster Ecolab's offerings in wastewater secondary treatment equipment, allowing the company to provide more advanced and sustainable solutions for water utilities and industrial clients.

• In October 2023, SUEZ announced a contract with Silkeborg Spildevand A/S to upgrade Denmark's Søholt wastewater treatment plant. This innovative project will enhance the plant's hydraulic capacity by 30% using a unique biomass densification technology known as inDense without expanding its physical footprint.

U.S. Wastewater Secondary Treatment Equipment Market