Water Treatment Chemicals Market Share & Trends [2033]

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Overview

The Water Treatment Chemicals Market size was valued at USD 43963.69 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 59393.48 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The global water treatment chemicals market is essential in supporting industrial, municipal, and environmental sustainability. In 2023, global consumption of water treatment chemicals surpassed 38.7 million metric tons, with municipal applications accounting for over 45% of total usage. These chemicals are critical for removing contaminants, controlling scale, corrosion, and biofouling, and ensuring safe water quality. More than 1.3 billion people globally depend on chemically treated water through centralized systems. The demand has increased significantly due to the rise in industrialization and stricter water discharge regulations. Asia-Pacific holds the highest consumption volume, with over 16.2 million metric tons used in 2023, driven by rapid industrial growth in China and India. North America followed with 8.1 million metric tons, largely used in municipal and power generation sectors. The growing presence of power plants, oil refineries, and metal processing units globally has accelerated demand for specialty treatment chemicals. In 2023, biocides and disinfectants accounted for over 28% of total market volume, followed by coagulants and flocculants at 22%. Innovations in green chemistry and biodegradable formulations are increasingly influencing product development. Strict government mandates in over 60 countries regarding wastewater treatment and potable water standards continue to shape procurement trends and regulatory compliance across the water treatment chemicals industry.

Key Findings

Driver: Expanding industrial base and municipal water safety regulations.

Country/Region: China leads with over 9.3 million metric tons of annual water treatment chemical usage.

Segment: Biocides and disinfectants hold the largest volume share at over 28%.

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Trends

The water treatment chemicals market has been influenced by technological advancements, environmental policies, and changing industrial water management strategies. In 2023, over 1,500 industrial facilities globally upgraded their water treatment systems to include automated dosing and real-time chemical monitoring systems. These upgrades enhanced chemical efficiency by 18% and reduced treatment waste by 11% compared to traditional manual systems. Sustainability is a key trend, with over 25% of newly developed formulations containing biodegradable or low-VOC components. In Europe, more than 60% of new chemical tenders in 2023 required suppliers to meet eco-certification standards. This has led to a 14% rise in demand for green chemicals, especially in the food and beverage, and municipal sectors. Digitalization continues to impact chemical usage and operational efficiency. IoT-enabled dosing pumps and AI-driven treatment analytics are now deployed in over 18,000 facilities across Asia-Pacific and North America. This technology has improved chemical utilization efficiency by up to 21%, reduced downtime by 13%, and improved regulatory compliance tracking by 16%.

Asia-Pacific dominates demand growth due to urban expansion, industrial growth, and ongoing desalination and wastewater recycling projects. In 2023 alone, China commissioned over 130 new wastewater treatment plants, while India launched water reuse mandates for industrial clusters in 9 states. As a result, Asia-Pacific saw a 9.6% year-on-year growth in treatment chemical consumption. The power generation industry has emerged as a strong consumer of corrosion inhibitors and scale inhibitors. In 2023, over 11,200 power plants globally reported using chemical conditioning, with an average annual usage of 12.6 metric tons per facility. Meanwhile, food and beverage industries increased chemical usage by 17% globally, driven by compliance with hygiene standards and ISO certifications. Overall, market trends reflect the rise of smarter, sustainable, and automated water treatment solutions that integrate chemical efficiency, compliance tracking, and environmental responsibility.

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Increasing demand from industrial sectors and strict wastewater treatment regulations.

Industrial sectors such as power generation, food and beverage, textiles, and chemical processing have significantly increased their consumption of water treatment chemicals. In 2023, over 19,600 industrial facilities worldwide used water treatment chemicals regularly. Chemical usage in power plants alone exceeded 140,000 metric tons globally, with coal-fired and nuclear plants accounting for over 60% of this total. Countries such as China, the United States, and India have implemented stricter wastewater discharge norms, leading to a 12.5% increase in chemical procurement across their industrial zones. The surge in urban wastewater generation, which crossed 510 billion cubic meters in 2023, has also driven chemical demand from municipal plants seeking to maintain effluent quality and avoid regulatory penalties.

RESTRAINT

Environmental concerns and rising cost of raw materials.

The production and application of traditional water treatment chemicals involve raw materials such as chlorine, aluminum sulfate, and phosphonates. The price index for these materials rose by 9.3% in 2023 due to supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. Additionally, over 45% of the chemicals used generate byproducts that require further treatment, adding to operational costs and regulatory scrutiny. Environmental regulations have restricted the use of certain biocides in Europe and North America, reducing their market share by 7% in 2023. The cost of disposal for hazardous sludge derived from coagulant use has also risen, now averaging $320 per metric ton in industrial settings.

OPPORTUNITY

Innovation in green chemistry and high-efficiency formulations.

The demand for eco-friendly, biodegradable, and high-efficiency water treatment chemicals is creating opportunities for manufacturers and innovators. As of 2023, over 90 companies globally are investing in the R&D of green water treatment solutions. In the EU alone, chemical suppliers allocated $780 million towards green chemistry development. Formulations based on polyaspartic acid, tannin derivatives, and biodegradable polymers have shown 15% to 23% higher efficiency in lab-scale studies. Municipal utilities in France and the Netherlands have begun pilot programs using 100% biodegradable coagulants, reducing treatment byproduct volume by 22%. Meanwhile, demand for phosphate-free scale inhibitors grew by 31% between 2022 and 2023 across Asia.

CHALLENGE

Managing chemical compatibility and operational complexity.

The increasing complexity of water sources and treatment requirements has led to a greater need for precise chemical dosing and compatibility checks. In 2023, over 11% of water treatment system failures in industrial plants were attributed to incorrect chemical selection or incompatibility between formulations. The challenge is particularly pronounced in systems treating mixed industrial and municipal effluents, where over 4,200 facilities reported incidents of chemical instability. Moreover, rising automation has created skills gaps in manual dosing oversight. Surveys conducted in 2023 indicated that 38% of municipal operators lacked adequate training in automated chemical control systems. This leads to inefficiencies in usage and poses a risk to regulatory compliance.

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Segmentation

The water treatment chemicals market is segmented based on chemical type and application area. In 2023, biocides and disinfectants led the market with 28.3% of total consumption, followed by coagulants and flocculants at 22.4%, corrosion inhibitors at 14.6%, scale inhibitors at 11.2%, pH stabilizers at 9.5%, and foam control agents at 7.1%. The remaining percentage was distributed among specialty additives and customized formulations.

By Type

Biocides & Disinfectants: Over 11 million metric tons were consumed globally in 2023. These chemicals are crucial in eliminating bacteria, viruses, and algae, especially in municipal water treatment and cooling tower operations. Chlorine-based and quaternary ammonium compounds remain dominant, while silver and peroxide-based formulations are seeing 13% annual growth due to regulatory acceptance.
Coagulants & Flocculants: Used in sedimentation and clarification, these chemicals accounted for 8.6 million metric tons in 2023. Aluminum sulfate and polyaluminum chloride were most commonly applied in municipal plants, while organic polymers saw higher demand in food processing and paper industries. Over 68% of large water treatment facilities employ a dual chemical system combining both inorganic and organic coagulants.
Corrosion Inhibitors: Around 5.6 million metric tons of corrosion inhibitors were used globally, primarily in power plants and refineries. These include phosphate-based, silicate-based, and nitrite-based compounds. The power generation sector alone contributed over 2.3 million metric tons in 2023, with Asia-Pacific responsible for 41% of this demand.
Foam Control: Anti-foaming agents saw global consumption of 2.7 million metric tons. Silicone-based defoamers dominated, especially in desalination and textile effluent treatment. North America led consumption in the food & beverage segment, accounting for 37% of global demand.
pH Stabilizers: With a global volume of 3.7 million metric tons, these include acids, alkalis, and buffer systems. Sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid were the most commonly used. Asia-Pacific consumed over 42% of this category, especially in municipal and textile applications.
Scale Inhibitors: Total demand exceeded 4.4 million metric tons in 2023. These chemicals are vital in preventing mineral deposit formation in cooling systems and boilers. Phosphate-free variants grew by 19% due to environmental regulations. Industrial sectors contributed to over 61% of total consumption.

By Application

Chemical Processing: This segment consumed over 5.2 million metric tons of water treatment chemicals in 2023. Coagulants, scale inhibitors, and corrosion inhibitors were the primary categories. China and Germany led this application segment.
Food & Beverages: Total chemical usage surpassed 4.1 million metric tons, focusing on disinfection, pH balance, and foam control. Regulatory compliance in packaging water and beverage production has increased demand by 14% year-on-year.
Power Generation: With over 6.8 million metric tons in 2023, this sector used corrosion inhibitors and scale inhibitors predominantly. Countries like the U.S., China, and Russia led consumption.
Paper & Pulp: This segment utilized 3.5 million metric tons, mostly in clarification and microbial control. Biocides and coagulants were used in over 75% of mills globally.
Municipal: Dominating overall consumption, municipal plants used more than 17.5 million metric tons. Disinfectants and coagulants were the key categories, especially in countries with large urban populations such as India and Brazil.
Metal & Mining: This application saw 2.9 million metric tons used, particularly in pH adjustment and sedimentation processes. South Africa and Chile led consumption in this sector.
Oil & Gas: Over 4.6 million metric tons were consumed, largely in corrosion and scale control. Offshore drilling and refining operations drove demand across the Middle East and U.S.
Others: These include textiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor manufacturing. Combined, they accounted for 2.1 million metric tons in 2023, with Asia-Pacific leading regional demand.

Water Treatment Chemicals Market Regional Outlook

The global water treatment chemicals market exhibits distinct regional dynamics, influenced by factors such as industrialization, regulatory frameworks, and water scarcity

North America

In 2023, North America accounted for approximately 32% of the global water treatment chemicals market share. The United States led the region, driven by stringent environmental regulations and a significant presence of industries requiring water treatment solutions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's regulations have propelled investments in advanced water treatment technologies, particularly in addressing contaminants like PFAS. Canada also contributed notably, focusing on municipal water treatment and industrial applications.

Europe

Europe held around 22% of the global market share in 2023. Countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom were prominent contributors, emphasizing sustainable water management practices. The European Union's directives on wastewater treatment and water quality standards have driven the adoption of eco-friendly water treatment chemicals. Industrial sectors, including food and beverage and pharmaceuticals, have been significant consumers in this region.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific emerged as the largest regional market, capturing about 38% of the global share in 2023. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing awareness of water conservation have fueled the demand for water treatment chemicals. China and India were the primary drivers, with substantial investments in municipal water treatment infrastructure and industrial wastewater management. The region's focus on addressing water pollution and ensuring safe drinking water has led to increased consumption of coagulants, flocculants, and disinfectants.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region accounted for approximately 15% of the global market share in 2023. Water scarcity and the need for desalination processes have been significant factors driving the market. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa have invested in water treatment facilities to address freshwater shortages. The oil and gas industry's water treatment requirements have also contributed to the demand for specialized chemicals in this region.

List Of Water Treatment Chemicals Companies

The Dow Chemical Company
Ecolab
BASF
Arkema
Kemira
DuPont
GE Water & Process Technologies
SNF Group
Ashland Corporation
Chemifloc
Kurita
AkzoNobel
Baw Water Additives
Lonza Group

BASF: developed new biodegradable coagulants and phosphate-free scale inhibitors in 2024, targeting industrial water systems. These products improved efficiency by 17% and reduced sludge volume by 22% in trial applications across Europe.

Arkema: launched a line of high-performance corrosion inhibitors using bio-based polymers, specifically for municipal and desalination use. The 2024 formulations showed a 19% enhancement in corrosion control and reduced chemical dosage needs by 12%.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The water treatment chemicals market is experiencing significant investment activity, driven by increasing environmental regulations, technological advancements, and the growing need for sustainable water management solutions. Investments are being channeled into various segments, including industrial wastewater treatment, municipal water purification, and the development of eco-friendly chemical formulations. In 2023, the global investment in water treatment infrastructure reached approximately $36.7 billion, with a substantial portion allocated to chemical treatment solutions. Industrial sectors, particularly power generation, oil and gas, and manufacturing, are investing heavily in advanced water treatment chemicals to comply with stringent discharge regulations and to promote water reuse. For instance, the industrial water treatment chemicals market is projected to grow significantly, driven by the need for effective treatment processes in various industries . Municipalities are also focusing on upgrading their water treatment facilities to address emerging contaminants and to ensure the provision of safe drinking water. The adoption of advanced treatment chemicals is essential in meeting the regulatory standards set by environmental agencies. The global water treatment chemicals market is expected to witness substantial growth, with projections indicating an increase from USD 39.80 billion in 2025 to USD 61.05 billion by 2032 . Opportunities for investment are also emerging in the development of eco-friendly and sustainable water treatment chemicals. Companies are investing in research and development to create biodegradable and less toxic chemical alternatives that meet environmental standards. This shift is in response to the growing demand for sustainable solutions and the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional water treatment chemicals. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies in water treatment processes presents additional investment opportunities. The implementation of smart monitoring systems and automation in chemical dosing can enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. Investments in digital solutions are expected to play a crucial role in the future growth of the water treatment chemicals market. Overall, the water treatment chemicals market offers numerous investment opportunities across various segments, driven by regulatory requirements, technological advancements, and the global emphasis on sustainable water management practices.

New Product Development

The water treatment chemicals market has witnessed significant advancements in product development, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and compliance with stringent environmental regulations. These innovations are driven by the need to address emerging contaminants, enhance treatment processes, and reduce environmental impact. One notable development is the introduction of Polyhib NU by B&V Chemicals in 2024. This enhanced version of the company's top-selling inhibitor, Polyhib CH, offers faster passivation of iron-based metals, improved scale inhibition, and better buffering capacity, all while maintaining compatibility with existing systems. The product has been in development for over a year and meets objectives for improved performance without increasing costs.

In 2024, Hydrite Chemical Co. launched Hydri-Maize, a catalyzed bisulfite product line designed for scrubber applications. This innovation enhances the efficiency of air pollution control systems by providing more effective chemical solutions, especially in industrial emissions settings where SOx control is vital. Aquacycl, an industrial wastewater treatment solutions provider, announced the launch of its patented SulfideFix chemical in 2024. This bio-based solution utilizes natural sulfate-reducing bacteria to eliminate up to 99% of sulfides in industrial wastewater, effectively addressing odor issues and corrosion in wastewater treatment systems. Asahi Kasei began selling a new membrane system in April 2024 for producing Water for Injection (WFI), a sterile water used in pharmaceutical preparations. This system offers a chemical-free alternative to conventional distillation processes, leveraging hollow-fiber membrane technology to deliver highly purified water with reduced energy consumption. Australian startup Water & Carbon Group raised significant capital in 2024 to advance its innovative wastewater treatment technology. The company developed a new chemical platform capable of removing persistent toxic contaminants like PFAS from industrial and municipal wastewater streams. They have already established several treatment facilities in Australia and plan to scale operations into North America. These new product developments reflect the industry's commitment to driving innovation, achieving environmental compliance, and enhancing treatment outcomes through advanced chemistry and biotechnological integration.

Five Recent Developments

In 2024, B&V Chemicals introduced Polyhib NU, an enhanced version of its top-selling inhibitor, Polyhib CH. This new formulation offers faster passivation of iron-based metals, improved scale inhibition, and better buffering capacity, all while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
Hydrite Chemical Co. launched Hydri-Maize™, a catalyzed bisulfite product line designed for scrubber applications. This innovation aims to enhance the efficiency of air pollution control systems by providing effective chemical solutions.
In 2024, Aquacycl announced the launch of SulfideFix, a patented chemical that utilizes natural sulfate-reducing bacteria to eliminate up to 99% of sulfides in industrial wastewater. This bio-based solution addresses odor issues and corrosion in wastewater treatment systems.
Asahi Kasei began selling a membrane system in April 2024 for producing Water for Injection (WFI), a sterile water used in pharmaceutical preparations. This system offers an alternative to conventional distillation processes, leveraging hollow-fiber membrane technology for efficient water purification.
Australian startup Water & Carbon Group raised $14.5 million to advance its innovative wastewater treatment technology capable of removing toxic chemicals like PFAS. The company has established treatment facilities in Australia and plans to expand into the U.S. market.

Report Coverage of Water Treatment Chemicals Market

The report on the water treatment chemicals market delivers a comprehensive overview of the industry’s landscape, focusing on chemical types, end-use applications, geographic distribution, competitive positioning, and emerging innovations. In 2023, the total global consumption exceeded 38.7 million metric tons, segmented by industrial and municipal uses, spanning more than 190 countries. Product segmentation includes detailed analysis of biocides and disinfectants, coagulants and flocculants, corrosion inhibitors, scale inhibitors, foam control agents, and pH stabilizers. Biocides and disinfectants led with over 11 million metric tons consumed globally, followed by coagulants and flocculants with 8.6 million metric tons. The report breaks down each category by performance features, compatibility, treatment targets, and frequency of use across varying water qualities. Application coverage spans eight core sectors: chemical processing, food & beverages, power generation, paper & pulp, municipal, metal & mining, oil & gas, and other niche areas such as semiconductors and pharmaceuticals. Municipal applications accounted for more than 17.5 million metric tons, making it the single largest consumer, driven by urban infrastructure and regulatory compliance. Industrial applications followed, notably in power generation with 6.8 million metric tons and oil & gas with 4.6 million metric tons. Regional coverage includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia-Pacific led the global market with 16.2 million metric tons consumed, while North America followed with 8.1 million metric tons. Europe recorded 8.5 million metric tons, and the Middle East & Africa contributed 3.1 million metric tons, showcasing diverse trends in water reuse, desalination, and chemical preferences. The competitive landscape is thoroughly analyzed, profiling 14 major players including Ecolab and BASF, the market’s two largest companies. Together, they accounted for over 10.5 million metric tons of chemical volume in 2023. The report evaluates their R&D investments, strategic expansions, product innovations, and sustainability initiatives. Further, the report addresses investment trends, regulatory frameworks in over 70 nations, and the evolution of smart water treatment technologies. Over $36.7 billion in global infrastructure funding was directed toward chemical-based water treatment projects in 2023. The integration of digital dosing systems, biodegradable formulations, and AI-based monitoring tools are identified as critical enablers of future market growth. Overall, the report provides a full-spectrum view of the water treatment chemicals market, with emphasis on performance metrics, market share, application trends, sustainability goals, and forward-looking investment trajectories shaping the future of water purification and management.