Water Treatment Chemicals Market

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Overview:

The global water treatment chemicals market size reached USD 39.7 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 57.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.71% during 2025-2033. The increasing consumption of water, the scarcity of freshwater resources and the deteriorating quality of available water sources, and the implementation of stringent environmental regulations concerning water quality are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The global water treatment chemicals market is experiencing moderate growth. It is due to the growing need for water in various industries.
• Key Market Trends: Major trends include the development of eco-friendly and safe chemicals, which do not pollute the marine life.
• Geographical Trends: Asia Pacific dominates the market, driven by the increasing focus on improving waste water management systems.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the spectrum analyzer industry include BASF SE, Ecolab Inc., Kemira OYJ, Solenis LLC, Akzo Nobel N.V., Baker Hughes Incorporated, Lonza, among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: Challenges include the growing awareness about the harmful impacts of harsh water treatment chemicals and fluctuating raw material prices. Nonetheless, opportunities like the rising demand for clean drinking water and focus on water reusing and recycling techniques are projected to overcome these challenges.
   

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Trends/Drivers:

The increasing consumption of water

Chemicals used in water treatment are necessary to clean and prepare water from different sources so that it can be used for industrial uses, drinking, and other purposes. The water treatment chemicals demand is driven by the increasing requirement for water treatment, thereby propelling the water treatment chemicals market growth. Furthermore, there is a greater chance of water contamination and pollution with increased water use. Water quality declines as a result of inappropriate wastewater disposal, agricultural runoff, and industrial discharges. In order to address the particular impurities and guarantee the delivery of clean and safe water, water treatment chemicals are used. In addition, water treatment facilities frequently have to use increasingly sophisticated treatment procedures for satisfying the rising demand for clean water as water supplies become more limited. According to a report posted by the UN Environment Programme in 2021, over 3 million people are at the risk of disease as the water quality of their rivers, lakes, and groundwater is unknown, due to the lack of data. This further encouraged governments to focus on water treatment processes.

Industrial growth and increased water usage

The water treatment chemicals market revenue is projected to experience steady growth due to increasing demand for clean water and stringent regulatory standards.

Water is essential to many industrial sectors, including manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, chemicals, and power generation. Because of the growing use of water, there is a larger need for chemicals used in water treatment to make sure the water utilized in these businesses is sufficiently treated and satisfies quality standards. Chemicals for water treatment are used to treat industrial water sources of pollutants, impurities, and other impurities so that the water is fit for a variety of industrial uses. Environmental rules that safeguard water resources and reduce pollution also apply to industrial operations. Industries are frequently forced to use effective water treatment systems and technologies to comply with these restrictions. Chemicals used in water treatment are essential for businesses to comply with these regulations and implement sustainable water management strategies. As per the UN World Water Development Report 2021, around 380 billion m³ water can be recovered from the annual volumes of wastewater produced.

The implementation of stringent environmental regulations

Strict environmental laws place a strong emphasis on reducing and preventing pollution. Businesses must put policies in place to reduce the amount of pollution and other toxins that leak into waterways. Chemicals used in water treatment are essential for lowering the pollution levels in wastewater and guaranteeing that the water discharged satisfies regulations. In order to efficiently remove or neutralize pollutants, water treatment chemicals are in high demand due to the focus on pollution prevention and reduction. Furthermore, there is an increase in the emphasis on reducing the usage of dangerous chemicals and switching to safer substitutes. This includes creating chemicals for water treatment that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and ecologically friendly. Stricter restrictions push the industry to offer more environment friendly solutions, which spurs innovation and growth in the water treatment sector. For example, Genesis Water Technologies launched Zeoturb, which is a bio-organic flocculant for wastewater processing.

Water Treatment Chemicals Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global water treatment chemicals market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type and end user.

Breakup by Type:

• Coagulants and Flocculants
• Corrosion and Scale Inhibitors
• Biocides and Disinfectants
• Ph Adjusters and Softeners
• Defoaming Agents
• Others
   

Coagulants and flocculants represent the leading segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes coagulants and flocculants, corrosion and scale inhibitors, biocides and disinfectants, Ph adjusters and softeners, defoaming agents, and others. According to the report, coagulants and flocculants represented the largest segment.

Coagulants and flocculants play a crucial role in the removal of suspended solids from water. Coagulants are used to destabilize and aggregate the suspended particles, while flocculants aid in the formation of larger flocs that can be easily removed through settling or filtration processes. This efficient removal of suspended solids helps improve water clarity and quality, making coagulants and flocculants essential in water treatment processes. find applications across various sectors and water treatment processes. They are used in municipal water treatment plants, industrial water treatment systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and even in specialized applications such as mining and oil and gas industries. Their versatility and ability to address a wide range of water treatment challenges contribute to their leading position in the market. For example, in 2021 The Government of India in partnership with states and urban local bodies (ULBs) committed to make all the cities garbage free and ensure that all used water including fecal sludge, especially in smaller cities are safely contained, transported, processed, and disposed so that no untreated and unsafe fecal sludge and used water pollutes the ground or water bodies.

Breakup by End User:

• Municipal 
• Power 
• Oil and Gas 
• Mining 
• Chemical 
• Food and Beverage 
• Pulp and Paper 
• Others 
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the water treatment chemicals market based on the end user have also been provided in the report. This includes municipal, power, oil and gas, mining, chemical, food and beverage, pulp and paper and others.

Municipal water treatment involves the purification and treatment of water for public water supply and wastewater treatment. Water treatment chemicals are used in municipal water treatment plants to ensure the supply of clean and safe drinking water to the population and to treat wastewater before its discharge into the environment. On the basis of the information provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, globally approx. 1.7 billion people consumed water from sources contaminated with faeces.

The power industry, including thermal power plants, nuclear power plants, and renewable energy facilities, requires significant amounts of water for cooling, steam generation, and other processes. Water treatment chemicals are used to maintain the efficiency and reliability of power generation equipment by preventing scaling, corrosion, and fouling caused by impurities in the water.

The oil and gas industry relies on water for various operations, such as drilling, hydraulic fracturing, refining, and cooling. Water treatment chemicals are employed to treat and recycle water used in these processes, remove impurities, and prevent equipment damage. They help maintain water quality and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. According to the IMARC Group, the global oil and gas market is expected to reach US$ 65.8 Billion by 2032. This will further drive the need for effective water treatment chemicals to keep up with the increased operational activities in the industry. 

The mining industry uses water for mineral processing, dust suppression, and site maintenance. Water treatment chemicals are essential for treating water used in mining operations, removing contaminants and suspended solids, and minimizing environmental impacts associated with mining activities.

The chemical industry utilizes water in various manufacturing processes, such as cooling, rinsing, and solvent preparation. Water treatment chemicals are employed to ensure the quality and purity of water used in chemical production, prevent contamination, and protect equipment from corrosion and fouling.

The food and beverage industry requires water for production, cleaning, and sanitation purposes. Water treatment chemicals play a vital role in maintaining water quality and meeting regulatory standards for the food and beverage industry. They help remove impurities, disinfect water, and ensure the safety and quality of water used in food processing and beverage production.

The pulp and paper industry relies on water for various processes, including pulping, bleaching, and paper manufacturing. Water treatment chemicals are used to treat water used in these operations, remove impurities, control pH levels, and prevent the buildup of scale and deposits in equipment.

The others category includes various industries and applications where water treatment chemicals are utilized. This can include sectors such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics, automotive, hospitality, and more, where water treatment chemicals are used to meet specific water quality requirements and ensure efficient water management.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific accounts for the majority of water treatment chemicals market share

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (United States, Canada); Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Others); Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, Others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific was the largest market for water treatment chemicals.

The water treatment chemicals market statistics reveal a dynamic landscape in the Asia Pacific region. Asia Pacific is home to a significant portion of the global population, including densely populated countries such as China and India. The growing population and rapid urbanization in the region lead to increased water consumption and wastewater generation, driving the demand for water treatment chemicals. Moreover, some parts of Asia Pacific face water scarcity and water stress due to various factors such as population density, limited freshwater resources, and climate change. This necessitates efficient water management and treatment to maximize water availability and minimize wastage. Water treatment chemicals play a crucial role in treating and reusing water resources, making them indispensable in water-stressed regions, thereby offering a favorable water treatment chemicals market outlook.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the water treatment chemicals market is characterized by the presence of several key players and a mix of global and regional water treatment chemical companies. Nowadays, companies are investing heavily in research and development to develop innovative and advanced water treatment chemicals. They are improving the efficiency, performance, and environmental sustainability of their products. They are also expanding their product portfolios by introducing new water treatment chemicals or enhancing existing ones. This allows them to offer a comprehensive range of solutions and cater to a wider range of applications and industries. Moreover, various companies are expanding their geographic reach by establishing a presence in new regions or strengthening their distribution networks. This involves setting up production facilities, partnerships, or acquiring local companies to gain market access and better serve customers in different geographic areas.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• BASF SE
• Ecolab Inc.
• Kemira OYJ
• Solenis LLC
• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• Baker Hughes Incorporated
• Lonza
• The DOW Chemical Company
• Snf Floerger
• Suez S.A.
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Recent Developments:

• March 2021: Ecolab launched the enhanced version of its Ecolab Smart Water Navigator, an online tool that helps businesses measure, manage, and reduce their water usage, ultimately improving water stewardship and sustainability.
• November 2023: Kemira announced a major capacity extension of its ferric sulfate water treatment chemicals production line in Goole, UK.

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the water treatment chemicals market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global water treatment chemicals market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the water treatment chemicals industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.