Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia

Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment in Australia Trends and Forecast

The future of the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Australia looks promising with opportunities in the municipal and industrial markets. The global tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 5.1% from 2025 to 2031. The tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Australia is also forecasted to witness strong growth over the forecast period. The major drivers for this market are the water scarcity/lack of freshwater resources, the growth in industrial water consumption & discharge, and the increasing government initiatives to provide safe drinking water.

• Lucintel forecasts that, within the equipment category, the filter segment is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to its ability to eliminate any remaining suspended contaminants from the wastewater.

Emerging Trends in the Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia

Australia is also facing heightened water shortages, changing regulations, and aging infrastructure, which are driving substantial innovation in tertiary water and wastewater treatment. The market is shifting towards smart, sustainable, and decentralized solutions that provide efficiency and reuse opportunities. Governments and industries are committing to new treatment technologies with advanced features that minimize chemical use, enhance recovery of nutrients, and enhance effluent quality. This drive is opening new gates for advanced membrane systems, optimization of resources, and digitalization. The following trends are indicative of the changing scenario in Australia‘s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market.

• Decentralized and Modular Systems: Rural regions and small-scale industrial practices are embracing decentralized tertiary systems that provide site-specific and flexible solutions. Modular configurations enable on-site treatment and reuse, lowering the cost of infrastructure and pipeline dependency. Their mobility and expansibility are particularly suited to rural communities and mining operations, where the reliable centralized system is usually absent. This method facilitates localized sustainability and enriches robust water management systems.
• Membrane Bioreactors (MBRs) and Advanced Filtration: MBRs are becoming increasingly popular as they integrate biological treatment and high-tech filtration, providing high-quality effluent for reuse. The systems are energy-efficient, space-friendly, and compact, making them suitable for facilities with limited space. Their high capability to eliminate fine particulates and pathogens enables them to meet Australia‘s strict discharge standards. With reuse increasing in the limelight, MBRs facilitate potable and non-potable reuse in municipal and industrial facilities.
• Resource Recovery and Energy Integration: Tertiary treatment technologies are increasingly incorporating nutrient recovery and biogas production to make wastewater treatment plants centers of resources. Phosphorus and nitrogen capture or energy generation through sludge digestion technologies are being developed. Renewable energy integration, such as operations powered by solar energy, is also gaining traction, enhancing sustainability and lowering treatment costs.
• Digital and Smart Water Technologies: Smart tertiary treatment operations are being made possible by advanced sensors, analytics, and automation. Digital monitoring systems assist in forecasting treatment performance, identifying anomalies, and dosing and energy optimization. Such technologies make the operations more efficient and cost-saving by reducing chemical waste and system failure, particularly in citywide networks.
• Advanced Oxidation and UV Disinfection: New technologies such as UV-based disinfection and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are being implemented to remove micropollutants, including pharmaceuticals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. These processes enhance effluent safety and guarantee compliance with tighter water quality requirements, particularly in areas where water reuse for industry and agriculture is growing.

Australia‘s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment industry is sweeping towards decentralization, digitalization, and sustainability. Smart operations, advanced filtration, and combined resource recovery are reshaping the market to effectively address environmental and regulatory concerns. These directions are building future-proof water infrastructure capable of producing safe, reusable, and environmentally friendly water solutions.

Recent Developments in the Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia

Australia is also investing in future-proof tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment facilities to respond to increasing environmental pressures and guarantee long-term water security. Various municipalities and industries have also started pilot projects, technology improvements, and digital amalgamations to enhance advanced treatment objectives. With a reuse theme, zero discharge, and cleaner discharge standards, Australia‘s tertiary treatment capabilities are also being upgraded in both urban and regional environments. The following are five recent advancements driving market development.

• Queensland Macroalgal Tertiary Treatment Pilot: A new macroalgae wastewater treatment facility has been unveiled to minimize the use of chemicals and recover naturally value-added byproducts such as fertilizers. The technology utilizes sunlight and algae for tertiary polishing, providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution for small towns. The innovation is a leap for nature-based and circular treatment models.
• Upgrades to Urban Treatment Plants: Large facilities in Sydney and Adelaide are being upgraded to include advanced filtration, membrane equipment, and UV disinfection. These upgrades are designed to address more stringent effluent limits and enable plants to be ready for future reuse opportunities. Upgrading existing infrastructure is allowing municipalities to enhance reliability, efficiency, and environmental performance.
• Data Centre Cooling through Treated Effluent: Projects to employ tertiary-treated wastewater to cool high-tech data centers are underway, decreasing the dependence on freshwater. These projects highlight how industrial users can derive benefits from reclaimed water of superior quality, and treatment plants can earn new revenue through industrial reuse agreements.
• Smart Monitoring Infrastructure: Some utilities are applying smart sensors and digital twins to enhance wastewater network management. They support predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and enhanced compliance with effluent quality standards. The drive to digitize boosts operational efficiency and offers real-time tertiary process control.
• Industrial Zero-Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Initiatives: Australian industrial players are investing in ZLD systems that combine membranes, evaporators, and crystallizers to eliminate liquid discharge. These systems allow full water reuse and valuable byproduct recovery, especially in water-intensive sectors like mining and food processing. The trend supports both environmental and cost-saving goals.

Australia‘s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment industry is being redefined by advances in natural systems, digital technologies, and industrialization. These trends aim at the country‘s interest in water reuse, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure resilience. The market is ready for increasingly more sustainable and efficient operations as new technologies and applications arise.

Strategic Growth Opportunities for Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia

Australia is confronted with increasing pressure from urbanization, agricultural use, and climate-affected water scarcity. Tertiary treatment systems that can undertake advanced filtration, disinfection, and reuse are becoming increasingly prominent as municipal and industrial operators seek high-quality effluent. Investment trends are shifting towards decentralized, energy-efficient, and intelligent treatment models that ensure water security and compliance with environmental regulations. As these forces intensify, five strategic areas of application arise with strong potential for targeted tertiary treatment technology deployment.

• Municipal Water Reuse and Recycling: Australian urban councils are using tertiary systems to promote potable and non-potable reuse, relieving pressure on freshwater resources. Tertiary treatment provides ultra-pure effluent—filtered, disinfected, and ready for irrigation, industrial cooling, or indirect potable use. Plants combining membranes, UV, and AOP release water security and regulatory compliance. This option is expanding under national water reuse plans and city investment in green infrastructure. Sellers providing modular packages, low-energy use, and scalability for suburban or community clusters will establish early positions in this growing municipal reuse market.
• Industrial Zero‑Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Water-intensive industries like mining, manufacturing and food processing are seeking ZLD to reduce discharge and meet environmental regulations. Tertiary systems that integrate reverse osmosis, evaporators, and advanced filtration make it possible to recover full-water and remove contaminants. Such systems reduce operations risk, minimize water expenses, and enable circular economy objectives. With industrial production expanding and regulators imposing stricter limits on effluent, there is greater demand for turnkey ZLD systems. Companies with modular, energy-optimized tertiary bundles are well-positioned to capture this high-value, compliance-driven industrial market.
• Renewable Energy Cooling Water Treatment: Power stations and solar thermal plants require tertiary treatment to manage cooling water that meets strict conductivity and fouling criteria. Reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration modules ensure heat exchanger efficiency and reduce maintenance downtime. Tertiary systems protect major energy assets from corrosion and biological growth. As renewable and hybrid power generation expand, cost-effective tertiary treatment modules tailored for scale and remote operations will be in high demand within the energy sector.
• Decentralised and Remote Community Treatment: The remote and rural areas of Australia require small-scale tertiary systems that are able to perform effectively in off-grid environments. Portable modules integrating membrane filtration, UV disinfection and solar power integration facilitate community water reuse and sanitation. With the increasing popularity of smart water solutions, remote tertiary plants facilitate safe wastewater disposal and reuse where infrastructure is poor. Expansion opportunities exist in mining camps, indigenous communities and agricultural districts. Suppliers of rugged, low-maintenance, and energy-independent tertiary units will gain opportunities under government and private sector initiatives.
• Microplastics and Emerging Contaminant Removal: Growing worry over microplastics and chemical pollutants in treated effluent is spurring adoption of tertiary solutions. Membrane bioreactors, ultrafiltration, and AOP systems can eliminate more than 99 percent of microplastics and trace chemicals. As more focus turns to effluent quality and ecosystem health, regulators and utilities are pushing back with stricter discharge regulations. Businesses providing advanced tertiary modules designed for microplastic capture and emerging contaminant elimination will be the leaders in next-gen treatment technologies aimed at ocean and environmental protection.

These five application avenues are changing the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Australia. From industrial ZLD and municipal reuse to decentralised systems, energy, and microplastic removal, demand is getting diversified. Cutting-edge, modular tertiary technologies will be pivotal in addressing changing regulatory needs, sustainability objectives, and decentralised water requirements across the continent.

Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia Driver and Challenges

The tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment industry in Australia is shaped by technological advances, sustainability needs, regulatory reform, and shifting economic drivers. Key drivers are government investment in infrastructure, smart low-energy innovation, and industrial water reuse requirements. While the drivers are slowed by capital intensity, high initial cost, and complicated advanced system setups, as well as policy fragmentation, understanding both sides of this dynamic will be crucial for vendors to provide scalable and effective tertiary solutions across the country.

The factors responsible for driving the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Australia include:
• Digitalisation and Technological Innovation: Improved membrane filtration, UV-AOP hybrid technology, and IoT-facilitated monitoring are streamlining tertiary treatment to be more cost-efficient and effective. Energy consumption decreases with automation and real-time sensor monitoring, improving maintenance schedules. Smart tertiary facilities guarantee regulatory compliance and predictable performance, raising operators‘ appeal. All these reduce operational hurdles and make deployment across wider municipal and industrial applications more accessible.
• Investment and Government Regulations: National strategies and more stringent discharge regulations are driven by federal sustainability initiatives. Infrastructure upgrades funding encourages tertiary equipment adoption. State initiatives encourage recycled water programs, fortifying the regulatory environment. Policy endorsement for compliant, high-performance tertiary products rewards vendors with financial risk reduction for adopters.
• Increased Industrial Water Reuse and ZLD Demand: Industries are adopting water recycling and ZLD as a response to scarcity and cost sensitivity. Tertiary treatment—particularly membrane and evaporation processes—assists industries in reducing freshwater usage and addressing effluent. With environmental regulation increasing, tertiary systems facilitate continuous operation and cost savings. Suppliers with modular, energy-optimized tertiary configurations can successfully serve industrial customers on their circular water path.
• Public Awareness of Water Quality Issues: Proven cases like microplastic contamination have increased public pressure for cleaner waterways. Governments and utilities are under mounting pressure to utilize high-performance treatment systems to safeguard marine and freshwater environments. Media and public awareness drive tertiary adoption, rendering open and high-performance solutions more appealing to community stakeholders and utilities.
• Expansion in Decentralised, Remote Community Water Solutions: Remote Australian towns and off-grid systems need compact, efficient tertiary treatment systems. Decentralised solutions—membranes, UV, and solar integration—are becoming increasingly popular. Government and private sector investment in remote water security opens the way to tertiary vendors supplying independent, ruggedised modules that can effectively use resources in remote and rural areas.

Challenges in the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Australia are:
• High Capital and Operational Costs: Sophisticated tertiary schemes are very costly to implement initially, usually more than primary or secondary treatment. Operating sophistication, cost of replacing membranes, and energy consumption discourage implementation by smaller councils and industry. In the absence of funding support, these economic impediments restrict market penetration.
• Complexity and Skilled Workforce Gap: Tertiary systems usually combine several processes and require expertise needed for operation and maintenance. Small facilities have limited technical capacity, while distant locations compound difficulties. Inadequate local training and specialist service providers lower confidence in deployment. Integrated vendor support and skills development are necessary to tap market potential.
• Regulatory and Policy Fragmentation: Variation between states in potable reuse guidelines, discharge requirements, and decentralized systems puts investors in doubt. Complicated navigation of policies can retard new tertiary ventures and make product development complicated. National harmonised standards would minimize friction and enable uniform deployment of tertiary technologies throughout Australia.

Australia‘s tertiary treatment equipment industry is ready to grow, fueled by water scarcity, technology advancements, and regulatory imperatives. However, lowering economic and operational hurdles, filling technical expertise gaps, and coordinating policies are essential to ramp up deployment. Suppliers who marry cost-saving, intelligent, modular, and service-supported tertiary systems are best placed to facilitate Australia‘s sustainable water future across various industries.

List of Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia Companies

Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies, tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment companies cater to increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment companies profiled in this report include:
• Company 1
• Company 2
• Company 3
• Company 4
• Company 5

Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia by Segment

The study includes a forecast for the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Australia by equipment and application.

Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia by Equipment [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Tertiary Clarifier
• Filter
• Chlorination Systems

Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia by Application [Analysis by Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Municipal
• Industrial
• Others

Features of the Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia

Market Size Estimates: Tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment in Australia market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
Segmentation Analysis: Tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment in Australia market size by equipment and application in terms of value ($B).
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different equipment and application for the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment in Australia.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment in Australia.
Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model.

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FAQ

Q1. What are the major drivers influencing the growth of the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Australia?
Answer: The major drivers for this market are the water scarcity/lack of freshwater resources, the growth in industrial water consumption & discharge, and the increasing government initiatives to provide safe drinking water.
Q2. What are the major segments for tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Australia?
Answer: The future of the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Australia looks promising with opportunities in the municipal and industrial markets.
Q3. Which tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market segment in Australia will be the largest in future?
Answer: Lucintel forecasts that filter segment is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to its quality of eliminating any remaining suspended contaminants from the wastewater.
Q4. Do we receive customization in this report?
Answer: Yes, Lucintel provides 10% customization without any additional cost.

This report answers following 10 key questions:

Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Australia by equipment (tertiary clarifier, filter, and chlorination systems), and application (municipal, industrial, and others)?
Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
Q.3. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
Q.4. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
Q.5. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
Q.6. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
Q.7. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
Q.8. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
Q.9. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
Q.10. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?
For any questions related to Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia Size, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia Growth, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia Analysis, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia Report, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia Share, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia Trends, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Australia Forecast, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Companies, write Lucintel analyst at email: helpdesk@lucintel.com. We will be glad to get back to you soon.