Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market, By Type (Coagulants & Flocculants, Inorganic Coagulant, Flocculants, Corrosion Inhibitors, Scale Inhibitors, Biocides & Disinfectants, Chelating Agents, Anti-Foaming Agents, Ph Adjusters & Stabilizers and Others), By End-User (Municipal, Power, Oil & Gas, Mining, Chemical, Food & Beverage, Pulp & Paper and Others), By Company and By Geography, Forecast & Opportunities, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 39.14 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.71%
Fastest Growing Segment	Coagulants & Flocculants
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 51.59 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market will grow from USD 39.14 Billion in 2025 to USD 51.59 Billion by 2031 at a 4.71% CAGR. Water treatment chemicals encompass a diverse range of specialized compounds, including coagulants, flocculants, and biocides, formulated to eliminate contaminants and optimize water quality for industrial, municipal, and residential applications. The market is primarily propelled by the escalating global demand for potable water driven by rapid urbanization and the rigorous environmental mandates requiring stringent wastewater remediation before discharge. Furthermore, the expansion of the power generation and manufacturing sectors necessitates substantial volumes of treated process water, thereby reinforcing the foundational demand for these essential remediation solutions.

However, the industry faces a significant challenge regarding the volatility of raw material costs and regional manufacturing competitiveness. This supply-side pressure is evident in key production markets; according to the European Chemical Industry Council, in 2024, capacity utilization within the European chemical industry fluctuated around 75%, reflecting the adverse impact of high energy prices and regulatory constraints on the broader sector. Such instability in the chemical supply chain can impede the consistent production and competitive pricing of water treatment formulations required for market expansion.

Key Market Drivers

The implementation of stringent environmental regulations and wastewater discharge mandates acts as the primary catalyst for the Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market. Regulatory bodies worldwide are enforcing tighter limits on contaminants, compelling facilities to adopt advanced chemical remediation strategies. For instance, the recent focus on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water necessitates significant infrastructure and treatment upgrades. According to the American Chemistry Council, April 2024, in the 'EPA's PFAS Water Rule Ignores Science, Undercuts Other Water Priorities' press release, the American Water Works Association estimates that compliance with these new federal standards will cost water systems approximately $4 billion annually. This regulatory pressure fuels the consumption of specialized coagulants, flocculants, and ion-exchange resins essential for removing persistent pollutants and meeting rigorous discharge protocols.

Simultaneously, escalating global water scarcity is driving the urgent adoption of water reuse and recycling technologies, further expanding the market for treatment formulations. As freshwater resources dwindle, industries and municipalities are increasingly relying on chemically intensive processes such as reverse osmosis and desalination to reclaim wastewater for operational and potable use. According to UNESCO, March 2024, in the 'United Nations World Water Development Report 2024', roughly half of the world's population currently experiences severe water scarcity for at least part of the year, underscoring the critical need for efficient water management solutions. This trend translates into tangible financial growth for key industry players; according to Veolia, February 2024, in its '2023 Annual Results', the Water Technologies business generated sales of €4,707 million, marking a 12.1% increase driven by strong demand for chemical solutions and engineering systems.

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Key Market Challenges

The volatility of raw material costs and the resulting disparity in regional manufacturing competitiveness constitute a substantial barrier to the growth of the Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market. Manufacturers of specialized formulations, such as coagulants and biocides, rely heavily on energy-intensive processes and specific chemical feedstocks. When energy prices surge or supply chains become unpredictable, production costs escalate, forcing manufacturers to either absorb losses or pass increased costs to end-users. This pricing pressure dampens demand, particularly among industrial clients operating on tight operational budgets, and leads to delays in procurement for large-scale water remediation projects.

The tangible impact of these cost constraints on output is evident in major chemical manufacturing hubs. According to the Verband der Chemischen Industrie, in 2024, total sales in the German chemical industry declined by 2.0 percent compared to the previous year, largely attributed to uncompetitive energy costs and stagnant producer prices. This contraction in a primary production region restricts the global availability of essential water treatment compounds, thereby stalling overall market expansion and complicating the execution of long-term supply agreements.

Key Market Trends

The transition to bio-based and biodegradable chemical formulations represents a fundamental shift in product development driven by the need to reduce the carbon footprint of water management. Manufacturers are actively reformulating coagulants and flocculants using renewable feedstocks, such as polysaccharides, to offer high-performance alternatives that align with stringent corporate sustainability goals. This strategic pivot toward green chemistry is yielding tangible financial resilience for major producers as they capture value from the growing demand for environmentally responsible inputs. According to Kemira, February 2025, in the 'Annual Review 2024', the company achieved a record operative EBITDA margin of 19.90 percent, a performance bolstered by its intensified focus on scaling renewable solutions and bio-based technologies for industrial applications.

Simultaneously, the integration of AI-driven smart dosing and real-time monitoring systems is transforming how facilities manage chemical consumption. By deploying IoT-enabled sensors and predictive analytics, operators can now dynamically adjust chemical feed rates in response to fluctuating water quality parameters, ensuring optimal efficiency while minimizing waste. This digital transformation allows suppliers to transition from simple commodity sales to value-added service models that guarantee specific operational outcomes and quantifiable savings. According to Solenis, April 2025, in the '2024 Sustainability Report', its ValueAdvantage partner program, which utilizes these advanced monitoring capabilities to document performance improvements, delivered $257 million in verified value to customers during 2024.

Segmental Insights

Based on trusted market analysis, the Coagulants & Flocculants segment is identified as the fastest-growing category in the Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market. This rapid expansion is propelled by the essential role these chemicals play in primary treatment processes, specifically in removing suspended solids and turbidity from raw water and wastewater. The growth is further accelerated by stringent environmental regulations from institutions like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which enforce rigorous effluent discharge limits. As municipalities and industries prioritize regulatory compliance and sustainable water recycling, the demand for high-performance coagulants and flocculants continues to surge.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific region commands the leading position in the Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market, driven primarily by rapid industrialization and expanding urban populations. Major economies such as China and India have witnessed a surge in manufacturing activities, particularly within the power generation, chemical, and mining sectors, creating substantial demand for process water treatment. Additionally, stringent environmental mandates enforced by institutions like China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment require rigorous wastewater discharge standards. This regulatory pressure, combined with the urgent need for water reuse in water-stressed areas, compels municipal and industrial operators to adopt advanced chemical solutions for compliance.

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, Veolia North America introduced a comprehensive management offering titled "BeyondPFAS," designed to address the growing regulatory and environmental challenges associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. This new suite of services and technologies integrates the company's capabilities in the detection, treatment, and disposal of these persistent micropollutants. The launch targets both municipal and industrial clients, providing end-to-end support that includes advanced treatment solutions and compliant waste management strategies. This development underscores the industry's increasing focus on mitigating the impact of emerging contaminants in drinking water and wastewater streams through specialized chemical and technological interventions.
• In July 2024, Kemira signed a definitive agreement to acquire the UK-based reactivation operations of Norit, a significant move to expand its water treatment portfolio. This acquisition allows the company to enter the activated carbon market, a critical segment for the removal of micropollutants such as PFAS, as well as for addressing taste and odor issues in drinking water. By integrating these new capabilities, the company aims to strengthen its position in the water and wastewater treatment sectors, particularly in response to tightening regulations regarding micropollutant removal in Europe. The transaction includes the transfer of the reactivation facility in Purton, United Kingdom.
• In July 2024, Kurita America, a part of the Kurita Group, announced a strategic collaboration with Solugen to develop and distribute a new line of carbon-negative water treatment products. This partnership focuses on creating bio-based substitutes for traditional phosphorus and petroleum-derived additives used in industrial water treatment. The initiative seeks to address sustainability challenges by leveraging a proprietary enzymatic process to manufacture high-performance chemistries with a lower environmental footprint. These new solutions are intended to help industrial customers achieve their decarbonization goals while maintaining effective corrosion and deposit control in their water systems.
• In April 2024, Nalco Water, a subsidiary of Ecolab, launched a new comprehensive solution designed to enhance the performance and sustainability of cooling water systems in the power, energy, chemical, and metal industries. This program integrates digital intelligence with advanced chemical technologies, including low-phosphorus and non-metal products, to manage water quality and control scale deposits. The offering utilizes a novel deposit sensing technology that provides real-time identification of scale, allowing operators to optimize treatment and maintain regulatory compliance. This development aims to support industrial customers in reducing water and energy consumption while increasing operational uptime and reliability.

Key Market Players

• Ecolab Inc.
• SUEZ S.A.
• Kemira Oyj
• BASF SE
• The Dow Chemical Company
• Solvay
• Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
• Lanxess
• Veolia
• SNF Group

By Type	By End-User	By Region
Coagulants & Flocculants Inorganic Coagulant Flocculants Corrosion Inhibitors Scale Inhibitors Biocides & Disinfectants Chelating Agents Anti-Foaming Agents Ph Adjusters & Stabilizers and Others	Municipal Power Oil & Gas Mining Chemical Food & Beverage Pulp & Paper and Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Water Treatment Chemicals Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Water Treatment Chemicals Market, By Type:

• Coagulants & Flocculants
• Inorganic Coagulant
• Flocculants
• Corrosion Inhibitors
• Scale Inhibitors
• Biocides & Disinfectants
• Chelating Agents
• Anti-Foaming Agents
• Ph Adjusters & Stabilizers and Others

• Water Treatment Chemicals Market, By End-User:

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

• Water Treatment Chemicals Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE