China Water and Wastewater Treatment Market Overview, 2028
China has the world’s largest and still growing wastewater sector and water market, thus its future development will have profound influence on the world. The high-speed development of China’s wastewater sector over the past 40 years has forged its global leading treatment capacity and innovation ability. Wastewater treatment in China is a critical component of the country's environmental protection efforts, given its rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth. Several government agencies and associations are actively involved in overseeing wastewater treatment, enforcing regulations, and advancing best practices in the field. One of the key government agencies responsible for water resource management and wastewater treatment regulations in China is the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE). The MEE sets and enforces environmental standards and policies, including those related to wastewater treatment, to mitigate pollution and protect water resources. The Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences (CSES) and the China Association of Environmental Protection Industry (CAEPI) are prominent associations linked to wastewater treatment in China. These organizations facilitate knowledge sharing, research, and collaboration among professionals, researchers, and stakeholders in the environmental and wastewater treatment sectors. China has implemented a comprehensive set of rules and regulations governing wastewater treatment. The ""Water Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan,"" launched in 2015, is a significant policy initiative aimed at improving water quality and reducing pollution. This plan outlines specific targets and measures to enhance wastewater treatment infrastructure, upgrade treatment technologies, and strengthen enforcement of environmental laws and standards. Regarding the distribution of wastewater treatment units, China's eastern coastal regions and highly urbanized areas, such as the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, typically has the highest concentration of wastewater treatment facilities. These regions are characterized by dense populations, extensive industrial activities, and greater infrastructure development. As a result, they have a greater need for wastewater treatment to manage the large volume of wastewater generated. China's commitment to wastewater treatment reflects its determination to address water pollution, protect its water resources, and promote environmental sustainability amid the challenges posed by rapid development.
According to the research report, “China Water and Wastewater Treatment Overview, 2028” published by Bonafide Research, the market was valued at more than USD 7.26 Billion in 2022. Wastewater treatment in China is on a notable upswing, signifying the country's commitment to environmental sustainability and public health. The increase in wastewater treatment efforts can be attributed to a combination of factors, including rapid urbanization, industrialization, and heightened environmental awareness. As China experiences ongoing population growth and expanding urban centers, the demand for wastewater treatment has surged. This growth aligns with China's stringent environmental regulations and its determination to tackle water pollution, protect its vast water resources, and reduce the impact of industrial effluents. China's leadership in wastewater treatment extends its influence beyond its borders, positioning the country as a leader in the Asia-Pacific region. Its advancements in wastewater treatment technologies, infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks have set a benchmark for neighboring countries and regions facing similar challenges. China's experiences and successes in addressing wastewater management contribute significantly to environmental protection and sustainable water use practices across the Asia-Pacific region. Asia’s first demonstration facility for medical wastewater treatment using electron beam (EB) technology commenced operation in China this year. The facility in the Hubei Province sterilizes medical wastewater and decomposes antibiotics without additional disinfectant or the production of secondary pollution. The milestone builds on a foundation of research by and technical cooperation with the IAEA that commenced about a decade ago, thus it has also contributed to the overall growth of china waste water management market.
The Market is segmented into Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment and Water & Wastewater Treatment Chemicals. In China, the Water & Wastewater Treatment Chemicals dominates the market. The water and wastewater treatment chemicals market is experiencing significant expansion and growth, driven by several key factors. As China populations continue to rise, urbanize, and industrialize, the demand for clean and safe water sources has been greater. This has led to increased investments in water infrastructure and treatment facilities, which, in turn, fuels the demand for water and wastewater treatment chemicals. Moreover, tightening environmental regulations and a growing awareness of water pollution issues have prompted industries and municipalities to adopt more advanced and efficient water treatment processes. To meet these stringent standards and ensure compliance, there is a rising need for specialized chemicals that can effectively treat and purify water and wastewater streams. The water and wastewater treatment equipment market is currently witnessing robust and sustained growth, driven by a combination of factors that underscore the critical importance of water resource management and environmental protection. This growth is being observed on a global scale, reflecting the universal challenges associated with population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and environmental concerns.
The market is further segmented on the Water & Wastewater Treatment Chemicals, which includes Coagulants & Flocculants, Disinfectants & Biocidal Products, Scale & Corrosion Inhibitors, Antifoam Chemicals, pH adjusters and stabilizers, and Others (Oxidizing Agents, Chelating Agents, Odor Control Chemicals, Precipitants, Color Removal Agents, Sequestrants, Biodegradable Surfactants, etc.) Coagulants and Flocculants dominate the market in 2022 with more than 27% market share. These chemicals play a crucial role in the primary stages of wastewater treatment, where they aid in the removal of suspended particles and colloidal matter by aggregating them into larger, settleable flocs. Following coagulation and flocculants, disinfectants and biocides represent another substantial segment within the wastewater treatment chemicals market. Disinfectants are essential for eliminating harmful microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and pathogens present in wastewater effluents. Common disinfection agents include chlorine, chlorine dioxide, ozone, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Ensuring the removal of these pathogens is vital to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and ensure the safety of the treated water when it is discharged into the environment or reused for various purposes. Along with this, Scale and corrosion inhibitors represent a crucial and substantial segment within the wastewater treatment chemicals market. These chemicals are specifically designed to combat the detrimental effects of scale formation and corrosion in water and wastewater treatment systems.
The market is further segmented on the Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment’s; which includes Membrane Separation, Biological, Sludge Treatment, Disinfection, and Others (Sedimentation and Clarification, Ion exchange, etc. As environmental regulations become more stringent, and as the demand for high-quality treated water continues to rise, membrane separation technologies are poised to maintain their significant market share in the wastewater treatment equipment segment. Ongoing advancements in membrane materials, system designs, and operational efficiency further enhance their appeal, solidifying their position as a cornerstone of modern wastewater treatment practices. As stringent regulations, the need for water reuse, and the demand for advanced wastewater treatment continue to grow, UV disinfection equipment is expected to maintain and expand its significant market share. Ongoing advancements in UV technology, including the development of energy-efficient UV lamps and innovative reactor designs, further enhance the appeal of UV disinfection as an essential component of modern wastewater treatment processes.
The market is segmented on the basis of Application, which includes Municipal and Industrial applications. Wastewater treatment plays a crucial role in municipal infrastructure worldwide, addressing the need to manage and purify the vast volumes of wastewater generated in urban areas. In municipalities, wastewater treatment facilities are the backbone of environmental protection and public health, and dominate the market. These facilities receive wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries, treating it to remove contaminants and pollutants before releasing it back into the environment. The primary objective of municipal wastewater treatment is to safeguard human health and protect the environment, ensuring that water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans are not polluted with harmful substances. Wastewater treatment in industries is a fundamental practice that plays a pivotal role in environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and the sustainability of industrial processes worldwide. Industrial wastewater is generated from a myriad of manufacturing, processing, and production activities, and it often contains a wide range of contaminants, including chemicals, heavy metals, organic compounds, and suspended solids. To mitigate the adverse environmental impacts and meet stringent regulations, industries employ specialized wastewater treatment systems tailored to their specific needs.
Based on the Industrial Applications, the market is segmented into Food and Beverage, Pulp and Paper, Power Generation, Oil and Gas, Healthcare, Chemical and Petrochemical, and Other Industries (Textile Manufacturing, Mining, Automotive Manufacturing, Construction, Metal Extraction, Poultry and Aquaculture, etc.) Food and Beverages industry dominated the market of waste water treatment in 2022. The wastewater treatment market holds a substantial and critical share within the power generation industry. Power plants, whether fueled by coal, natural gas, oil, or nuclear energy, require significant amounts of water for cooling and other operational processes. This water, once used, becomes wastewater that may contain various contaminants, including heavy metals, suspended solids, and even thermal pollution. Effective wastewater treatment in the power generation sector is vital for regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and the efficient operation of power plants. The wastewater treatment market within the oil and gas industry is indispensable for ensuring regulatory compliance, minimizing environmental harm, and supporting the industry's commitment to responsible and sustainable resource extraction. As the industry continues to evolve and address environmental concerns, wastewater treatment solutions will remain a vital component in managing the environmental footprint of oil and gas operations. The significance of wastewater treatment in healthcare extends beyond regulatory compliance. It directly impacts public health by preventing the spread of diseases and the release of pharmaceuticals into the environment. Healthcare facilities are also increasingly focusing on environmentally sustainable practices, with many investing in advanced treatment technologies and water recycling systems to reduce their overall environmental impact.
Considered in this report:
• Geography: China
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028
Aspects covered in this report:
• China Water and Wastewater Treatment market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation
By Type:
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
By Water and Wastewater Treatment Equipment:
• Membrane Separation
• Biological
• Sludge Treatment
• Disinfection
• Others (Sedimentation and Clarification, Ion exchange, etc.)
By Water and Wastewater Treatment Chemicals:
• Coagulants & Flocculants
• Disinfectants & Biocidal Products
• Scale & Corrosion Inhibitors
• Antifoam Chemicals
• pH adjusters and stabilizers
• Others (Oxidizing Agents, Chelating Agents, Odor Control Chemicals, Precipitants, Color Removal Agents, Sequestrants, Biodegradable Surfactants, etc.)
By Application:
• Municipal Applications
• Industrial Applications
By Industrial Application:
• Food and Beverage
• Pulp and Paper
• Power Generation
• Oil and Gas
• Healthcare
• Chemical and Petrochemical
• Other Industries (textile manufacturing, mining, automotive manufacturing, construction, metal extraction, poultry and aquaculture, etc.)
The approach of the report:This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.
Intended audience:This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Water and Wastewater Treatment industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.