Water Infrastructure Equipment Market Size & Share [2033]

Water Infrastructure Equipment Market Overview

Global Water Infrastructure Equipment market size is estimated at USD 114688.1 million in 2024, set to expand to USD 159038.7 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.7%.

The global water infrastructure equipment market is an integral component of civil utilities and industrial systems, encompassing key technologies such as pumps, pipes, valves, and meters. In 2023, over 2.1 billion people lacked safely managed drinking water services globally, leading to increased demand for infrastructure upgrades. Approximately 45% of existing municipal water infrastructure in urban areas worldwide is over 50 years old, contributing to rising maintenance and replacement needs. For instance, in the United States, utilities experience around 240,000 water main breaks annually, resulting in an estimated 6 billion gallons of lost treated water per day.

The market is supported by rising capital expenditure on public water systems, especially in Asia-Pacific, where over 50% of global infrastructure development in water treatment and supply is occurring. In India alone, over 8,000 water treatment projects were in various stages of construction as of mid-2024. Urbanization is fueling pipeline expansion, with global urban populations projected to reach 5.2 billion by 2030, placing pressure on existing infrastructure. Meanwhile, smart water metering installations grew by 13 million units globally in 2023, enabling improved efficiency and real-time leakage detection. Governments and private sectors are investing heavily in reducing water loss, expanding wastewater treatment, and building climate-resilient systems.

Key Findings

Top Driver Reason: Rising urban population demanding new and upgraded water infrastructure networks.

Top Country/Region: Asia-Pacific leads due to extensive government investments in municipal and industrial water projects.

Top Segment: Pumps dominate as the most critical component, with over 28 million units sold for municipal and industrial use in 2023.

Water Infrastructure Equipment Market Trends

One of the strongest trends in the water infrastructure equipment market is the growing preference for energy-efficient pumping systems. In 2023, over 64% of new pump installations in municipal water supply projects used energy-optimized models, reducing energy consumption by 20%-30% compared to conventional systems. Rising electricity costs and pressure to reduce carbon emissions are driving the replacement of legacy systems with high-efficiency pumps.

Another major trend is the expansion of smart metering technology. More than 110 million smart water meters were operational globally by the end of 2023, up from 97 million in 2022. These meters enable utilities to detect leaks, reduce non-revenue water losses, and improve billing accuracy. Europe accounted for over 38% of the new smart meter installations in 2023, largely due to regulatory mandates under water efficiency directives.

Plastic pipes, particularly high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), are increasingly replacing metal piping in new construction projects. HDPE piping accounted for 39% of new pipe installations in 2023 due to its corrosion resistance, flexibility, and longer life span of over 100 years. The cost of pipe replacements in the U.S. alone exceeded $22 billion worth of procurement in 2023, indicating a major shift in infrastructure upgrading efforts.

Valve automation and monitoring are also on the rise. In 2023, approximately 15% of newly installed water valves in developed markets came with embedded sensors and digital control modules. These technologies allow remote monitoring of pressure, flow rate, and valve integrity, reducing manual intervention and improving response times during maintenance.

Water Infrastructure Equipment Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Urban Expansion and Infrastructure Modernization

Urban expansion is the primary driver for growth in the water infrastructure equipment market. By 2024, over 56% of the global population resided in urban areas, a figure projected to increase to 68% by 2050. As cities expand, water utilities are compelled to upgrade and expand water distribution and wastewater collection systems. For instance, China added over 27,000 kilometers of new municipal water pipelines in 2023 alone to meet urban development targets. In the United States, aging systems are being replaced at a rapid pace, with approximately 14% of municipal water pipes replaced or repaired in the past five years. The demand for modern, efficient equipment—particularly smart meters, energy-efficient pumps, and corrosion-resistant piping—has surged in parallel with government funding for sustainable urban water infrastructure.

RESTRAINT

High Installation and Maintenance Costs

Despite strong demand, the high cost of equipment procurement, installation, and ongoing maintenance poses a significant restraint. For example, the average cost of laying a kilometer of water pipeline in urban areas exceeds $1 million, particularly when trenchless methods are employed to minimize surface disruption. Smart meters and automated valves also come with high upfront costs, often between $150 and $250 per household installation. In many developing countries, limited budgets for water projects restrict the adoption of high-end infrastructure technologies. Additionally, specialized labor is required for equipment integration, calibration, and monitoring, with hourly engineering service rates exceeding $100 in most developed countries. These costs discourage smaller municipalities and rural utilities from initiating large-scale upgrades.

OPPORTUNITY

Technological Advancements in Smart Water Systems

Technological innovations present robust opportunities across the water infrastructure equipment market. In 2023, more than 30 new smart water technologies entered the market, including ultrasonic flow meters, AI-driven leak detection systems, and self-cleaning pump systems. For instance, AI-enabled predictive maintenance tools now use real-time sensor data from valves and pumps to preempt failures, reducing downtime by up to 40%. The integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology into pipeline networks allows operators to map, monitor, and optimize water flow with precision, especially in urban landscapes. Additionally, solar-powered pumping systems are emerging as sustainable alternatives, with over 12,000 units deployed in sub-Saharan Africa in 2023. These advancements reduce operational costs and water loss while improving supply reliability, particularly in resource-scarce regions.

CHALLENGE

Regulatory Complexity and Compliance Pressure

The market is challenged by a fragmented regulatory landscape across countries and regions. Compliance with water quality, safety, and reporting standards significantly varies. In the EU, for instance, the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive mandates nutrient removal and frequent effluent quality monitoring, requiring equipment upgrades that many smaller utilities struggle to afford. In contrast, U.S. utilities must adhere to EPA Safe Drinking Water Act provisions, with over 7,000 reported violations in 2023 related to contaminant thresholds and monitoring lapses. These differences create complexities for global manufacturers who must customize equipment to meet localized standards. Moreover, the need for third-party certifications, such as NSF/ANSI 61 or ISO 24512, delays product approvals and market entry.

Water Infrastructure Equipment Market Segmentation

Water infrastructure equipment is segmented by both type and application. Type-based segmentation includes pumps, pipes, valves, and meters, while applications are broadly categorized into supply water and wastewater infrastructure. The demand for each segment is influenced by regulatory pressure, infrastructure age, water scarcity, and urbanization intensity.

By Type

Pipe: Pipes are the backbone of water distribution systems. In 2023, global demand exceeded 52 million metric tons for municipal piping alone. HDPE and ductile iron pipes lead the market due to their 50+ year life expectancy and superior corrosion resistance. HDPE accounted for 39% of new installations. Countries with old steel networks, such as the UK and U.S., are undergoing massive replacements due to leakages that waste 20%-30% of treated water.
Pumps: Over 28 million pumps were installed globally in 2023, including centrifugal, submersible, and booster pumps. Centrifugal pumps made up 44% of municipal installations due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Submersible pumps were preferred in flood-prone and high groundwater regions, including Southeast Asia and Latin America. Advanced pump designs now integrate IoT-based efficiency monitors to minimize energy use.
Valves: More than 85 million valves were produced in 2023 for use in water infrastructure, with control valves comprising over 42% of total usage. Smart valves with telemetry systems accounted for 15% of all new valve installations in developed economies. These systems enable real-time control of flow and pressure, enhancing system integrity during peak demand or leakage scenarios.
Meters: Water meter sales surpassed 110 million units globally in 2023. Mechanical meters remain dominant in rural markets, while smart meters represented 32% of new sales. Asia-Pacific led smart meter deployment, accounting for over 37 million units. These meters help utilities reduce non-revenue water losses, which in some developing nations exceed 35%.

By Application

Supply Water: Water supply systems represent the largest application segment, absorbing 63% of the total infrastructure equipment demand in 2023. Urban areas with high water stress, such as Southern California and Northern India, implemented advanced pipeline and pump systems to reduce water leakage and improve distribution efficiency.
Wastewater: Wastewater infrastructure absorbed 37% of equipment demand, with major growth in sludge pumps, gate valves, and digital monitoring systems. Over 9,000 new wastewater treatment facilities were under construction or commissioning phases globally in 2023. Governments in Europe and Southeast Asia mandated stricter effluent discharge standards, driving investment in filtration systems and UV treatment units.

Water Infrastructure Equipment Market Regional Outlook

The water infrastructure equipment market displays distinct regional characteristics based on government policies, urbanization levels, and infrastructure maturity. Investments in modern systems and replacement of aging assets vary significantly by region.

North America

In 2023, North America witnessed robust infrastructure spending, with over 3,200 water-related capital improvement projects underway. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that over 44% of urban pipelines in the country were in fair to poor condition, prompting widespread replacement. Smart meters crossed 70 million installations in the region, while Canada invested over $2.1 billion in rural water and wastewater treatment programs. Submersible pump systems gained traction in flood-prone areas like Louisiana and New Jersey, with over 40% of new installations featuring automated controls.

Europe

Europe is leading in smart metering and leakage reduction technologies. Germany, France, and the UK collectively installed over 18 million smart meters in 2023, driven by water conservation mandates. Wastewater reuse grew in southern Europe, especially in Spain and Italy, which reported recycling rates of over 18%. The EU's Green Deal prompted investments in energy-efficient pumps, which accounted for 62% of new pump sales in 2023. Regulatory pressure to reduce water losses below 15% has accelerated pipeline automation and digital valve integration.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominated the global water infrastructure equipment market in 2023, accounting for over 48% of all new installations. China alone commissioned over 11,000 new water supply and wastewater facilities. In India, government programs supported the installation of over 17 million smart meters and 90,000 kilometers of new municipal piping. Japan and South Korea focused on leak detection systems, installing over 1.5 million ultrasonic meters. Rising industrialization in Southeast Asia also drove demand for wastewater treatment pumps and digital control systems.

Middle East & Africa

Water scarcity is the main driver in this region. Desalination infrastructure expansion fueled equipment demand in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Saudi Arabia and the UAE collectively deployed over 5,000 high-efficiency pumps and membrane systems for desalinated water distribution in 2023. South Africa and Nigeria focused on reducing non-revenue water, which exceeds 35% in major cities. The deployment of plastic pipes and low-maintenance valves in remote communities helped support better water access for over 10 million people in 2023.

List of Top Water Infrastructure Equipment Market Companies

Xylem
Grundfos
Tyco International
Hitachi
ATCO Energy Solutions

Top Two Companies with Highest Share

Xylem: held the largest market share in 2023, supplying over 4.7 million pumps, 3.2 million valves, and advanced smart water solutions across 150 countries. The company’s Flygt submersible pump line contributed to 22% of global municipal wastewater pumping systems.

Grundfos: followed closely, with global sales exceeding 4.1 million pump units in 2023. The company’s energy-efficient pump portfolio accounted for 27% of all smart pump installations in Europe and Asia-Pacific combined. Grundfos also leads in solar-powered pumping systems, particularly in Africa and rural India.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The water infrastructure equipment market is witnessing heightened investment activity driven by global imperatives for water security, urban expansion, and aging infrastructure replacement. In 2023, more than 75 countries increased public and private capital spending in water infrastructure, with total global equipment procurement projects surpassing 1.4 million units. Investment is flowing into multiple segments including pipeline modernization, advanced metering infrastructure, wastewater treatment upgrades, and energy-efficient pumping systems.

Municipal utilities are major investors. In the U.S. alone, more than 2,700 city and state governments committed to multi-year capital improvement plans targeting distribution system upgrades. New York City's Department of Environmental Protection allocated over $1.6 billion in 2023 for water and sewer infrastructure, including large-scale valve replacement and smart meter deployments. Similar initiatives across cities in Canada, Australia, and Germany are aimed at reducing water loss, which averages 20%-30% in aging networks.

Significant funding is also being channeled through global development banks. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the World Bank together financed more than 400 water infrastructure modernization projects in Asia-Pacific and Africa during 2023. These projects predominantly focused on solar-powered pump systems, corrosion-resistant pipelines, and community-scale wastewater treatment equipment.

New Product Development

The water infrastructure equipment market is experiencing a surge in innovation, driven by the need for energy efficiency, digitalization, and sustainability. In 2023 and 2024, over 150 new product lines were introduced globally across categories such as smart meters, AI-powered pumps, corrosion-resistant valves, and modular wastewater systems. These innovations are reshaping how water is distributed, monitored, and treated.

One of the most notable innovations has been the launch of smart ultrasonic water meters with cellular IoT communication. Over 18 million units of such meters were deployed globally in 2023. These devices transmit real-time usage data, detect anomalies, and support remote shut-off capabilities. Manufacturers have integrated battery systems with lifespans exceeding 15 years, reducing maintenance frequency. In Europe and North America, smart meter adoption has been accelerated by government mandates aiming for full coverage by 2030.

Pumping technologies have also advanced significantly. In 2023, high-efficiency vertical multistage centrifugal pumps with integrated variable frequency drives (VFDs) became standard in municipal systems. These pumps reduce energy use by 20%-30% and automatically adjust flow based on real-time demand, thereby extending equipment lifespan. More than 1.6 million units of such smart pumps were sold globally, with Asia-Pacific accounting for 46% of the market.

In valve technology, product development has focused on remote monitoring and maintenance-free operation. Self-lubricating butterfly valves introduced in 2024 featured polymer-coated disc assemblies, eliminating the need for regular greasing. These valves have a projected life expectancy of over 40 years and accounted for more than 9% of all newly installed valves in industrial water systems.

Five Recent Developments

Xylem's Launch of AI-Integrated Pumping Systems: In early 2023, Xylem unveiled a new range of smart pumps featuring built-in artificial intelligence and real-time diagnostics. These pumps reduced operating energy consumption by 22% and detected maintenance needs up to 30 days in advance. The company reported sales of over 400,000 units globally within nine months of launch, primarily in municipal and industrial wastewater applications.

Grundfos’ Solar-Driven Smart Pump Deployment in Africa (2023): Grundfos installed over 7,500 solar-powered pumps across sub-Saharan Africa in 2023 under public-private water security initiatives. Each unit delivered up to 30,000 liters/day, supporting reliable drinking water for more than 2.8 million people. The project emphasized low-maintenance brushless motors and integrated IoT flow monitoring, setting a new benchmark in rural water access solutions.

Hitachi’s Smart Valve Manufacturing Expansion: Hitachi inaugurated a new automated valve production facility in Japan in 2024 with a target annual capacity of 3.2 million units. The facility utilizes robotic assembly and quality inspection systems, reducing defect rates by 47% compared to conventional manufacturing lines. Over 1 million smart valves have already been distributed to clients across Southeast Asia and Europe.

Tyco International’s Leak Detection System Rollout: Tyco launched an advanced pipeline leak detection system using acoustic sensors and real-time data analytics. During pilot tests in Germany and the UK, the system identified and localized leaks with 91% accuracy. By the end of 2023, over 3,000 kilometers of pipeline had been fitted with the system, helping utilities cut water losses by 18% on average.

Report Coverage of Water Infrastructure Equipment Market

This comprehensive report on the water infrastructure equipment market evaluates the global landscape of technologies, applications, regional performance, and competitive dynamics shaping the industry. The scope includes a detailed assessment of four major equipment types—pipes, pumps, valves, and meters—and their deployment in key water systems, specifically supply water infrastructure and wastewater management networks.

The report examines procurement trends across municipal, industrial, and residential sectors, analyzing over 50 quantitative indicators including unit volume, installation rates, and system longevity. Coverage extends to emerging technologies such as smart metering, AI-integrated pumps, membrane-based filtration units, and solar-powered systems. These innovations are assessed in terms of scalability, maintenance impact, and lifecycle cost effectiveness.

Regional analysis provides in-depth insight into the market's performance in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Each region is profiled based on infrastructure maturity, regulatory drivers, investment patterns, and adoption of advanced technologies. For example, North America's focus on asset renewal contrasts with Asia-Pacific’s greenfield expansion, providing strategic insights for equipment manufacturers and investors.