Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in India

Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment in India Trends and Forecast

The future of the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in India 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 India 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 India

Increasing urbanization of India, industrial growth, and water scarcity are driving the adoption of tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment technologies at a faster rate. The regulatory requirements by the government, for example, zero-liquid discharge for industries and more stringent discharge requirements for municipal utilities, are redefining the market. With an increasing awareness among the general public and sustainability objectives, industries and utilities are focusing on innovative, efficient, and decentralized treatment systems. These trends are unveiling new prospects for compact, technology-driven, and cost-effective tertiary equipment across diverse applications ranging from urbanization to manufacturing and agriculture.

• Electrochemical treatment solutions for industrial effluents: Indian industries are increasingly going for electrochemical oxidation and electrocoagulation systems as tertiary treatment to eliminate color, heavy metals, and trace organics. These technologies are compact in design, energy-efficient, and provide high performance in treating refractory effluents from textile, pharma, and chemical industries. They are capable of achieving stringent norms with a low footprint, which makes them viable options for small and medium-sized enterprises. This trend is creating demand for dedicated electro-based tertiary modules for industrial zero-discharge requirements.
• Decentralized wastewater systems in peri-urban areas: Spontaneous urbanization has led to the need for decentralized tertiary treatment in unplanned areas outside centralized networks. Residential schemes, gated communities, and schools are incorporating compact packages with filtration, disinfection, and nutrient removal functions. The solutions provide localized treatment and reuse, in line with India‘s smart city vision. Plant and equipment providers are designing modular schemes that are simple to install, run, and maintain, serving the needs of expanding settlements on the outskirts of cities.
• AI-powered performance tracking platforms: Utilities and private operators are integrating AI and data analytics to monitor and optimize tertiary treatment processes. These platforms predict equipment wear, optimize chemical dosing, and reduce energy use. Especially in large STPs under AMRUT and Jal Jeevan Mission programs, AI tools are improving uptime and compliance. Vendors offering sensor-enabled, cloud-connected equipment are seeing stronger demand as performance-linked contracts and digital dashboards become standard across new water infrastructure projects.
• Tertiary treatment for river rejuvenation schemes: India‘s river cleansing initiatives like Namami Gange and Narmada Action Plan are adding tertiary systems to enhance the quality of treated water prior to discharge. Advanced disinfection, nutrient removal, and polishing units are being applied along major lengths of polluted rivers. This is creating need for rugged, scalable systems that can operate in variable load conditions and be connected to existing STPs. The trend supports wider national objectives of reviving water bodies and sustainable hydrology.
• Reuse-oriented treatment in agro-industrial areas: India‘s agro-processing areas are adopting tertiary treatment plants to recycle wastewater for applications like boiler feed, washing, and cooling. The areas are advantageously using membrane-based and UV technologies that provide safe and effective reuse. Government incentives for water reuse as part of the National Water Mission are fostering adoption, particularly in highly water-stressed states. Equipment demand is rising for reuse-focused designs that integrate filtration, disinfection, and automation into a single footprint.

India‘s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market is transforming with an emphasis on reuse, decentralization, digital monitoring, and industrial compliance. New developments in electrochemical and AI-based systems are synchronizing with national initiatives focusing on sustainability, urbanization, and river health. These trends are fueling demand for modular, flexible, and performance maximized treatment equipment, resulting in a dynamic market across municipal, industrial, and peri-urban areas.

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

India‘s water sector is undergoing dynamic change through policy initiatives, public investment, and private sector involvement. Focus on treated wastewater reuse, pollution abatement, and intelligent infrastructure in key schemes is propelling tertiary equipment upgrades across the country. Industrial estates, civic authorities, and infrastructure developers are increasingly embracing integrated and high-efficiency treatment schemes to comply with discharge standards and sustainability criteria. These trends reflect the nation‘s shift towards a circular water economy and enhanced wastewater management.

• Implementation of the tertiary systems under Namami Gange: With the Namami Gange initiative, some STPs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been upgraded with tertiary units such as chlorination, filtration, and UV disinfection. These facilities support the Class B discharge standard river release. The initiative is providing procurement opportunities for cost-effective and dependable tertiary modules in a continuous mode of operation. Maintenance-inclusive packages are also provided by vendors to enhance asset life and treatment efficiencies and increase long-term contract value.
• Private sector investments in industrial treatment parks: Large industrial parks in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have set up common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) with separate tertiary sections. These comprise advanced oxidation, ultrafiltration, and nutrient removal to facilitate safe reuse or discharge. Large companies are co-financing upgrades to meet environmental standards and water security. The transition is indicative of greater private sector interest in green operations, creating demand for strong, plug-and-play tertiary equipment with centralized control systems.
• Urban water reuse mandates and infrastructure upgrades: Metropolitan cities like Bengaluru and Pune have come out with mandates forcing housing societies and builders to reuse treated water for landscape, flushing, and HVAC. Consequently, municipalities are retrofitting treatment plants with tertiary polishing units to provide high-quality effluent for urban reuse. Upgrades include sand filters, UV units, and chlorine dosing systems. The growth is fostering demand for compact, high-capacity systems customized for retrofits and continuous use.
• Coastal pollution control tertiary units: The Ministry of Environment has sponsored tertiary treatment facilities in coastal towns to minimize marine pollution from untreated sewage. The projects in Goa, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam involve polishing units along with outfall pipes. Disinfection and nutrient removal processes are included in these to conserve marine ecosystems. The program is generating new market demand for coastal-grade, corrosion-resistant tertiary equipment with automatic control for continuous monitoring and environmental reporting.
• Start-up-driven innovations in small tertiary modules: Indian cleantech start-ups are creating low-capital, compact tertiary treatment systems for decentralized use. The systems utilize ceramic membranes, solar-powered UV disinfection, and IoT-based monitoring. Pilot projects have been implemented successfully across schools, rural healthcare clinics, and agro-processing facilities. These technologies are reducing the entry point for small users and increasing the size of the point-of-use treatment equipment market for underserved markets. Partnership with CSR funds and NGOs is further driving deployment.

India‘s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment industry is of late representing increasing alignment of policy aspiration, private finance, and technological innovation. From rejuvenating rivers to enabling smart city compliance and industrial reuse, the industry is seeing increased demand for specialized, robust, and automated treatment systems. These changes are setting the stage for a future-proofs, resilient, and circular water economy in urban and industrial environments.

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

India‘s urban and industrial growth, along with increasing water stress and regulation stringency, is fueling demand for efficient wastewater treatment technologies. Tertiary treatment systems are becoming increasingly popular as critical solutions for water reuse, nutrient removal, and meeting discharge standards. The urbanization, upgrading of public infrastructure, and development of water-intensive industries are offering new prospects to equipment suppliers. Government encouragement for clean water programs and reform aimed at sustainability will propel the market for tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment for major applications.

• Urban water recycling and municipal reuse: Indian cities are experiencing growing water shortages and contamination. Tertiary systems facilitate the reuse of treated wastewater for landscaping, flushing toilets, and industrial usage. Tertiary systems are being incorporated in smart cities and AMRUT projects by urban development authorities. Bengaluru and Nagpur are implementing decentralized tertiary units for sustainable reuse. The systems minimize freshwater reliance and enhance water availability. As the government advocates for water-sensitive urban planning and integrated water management that is integrated, municipal reuse applications are turning into a high-priority growth sector for tertiary treatment equipment.
• Management of discharge from the textile and dye industry: The textile industry in India produces huge amounts of wastewater with dyes, salts, and organic matter. Tertiary treatment systems using reverse osmosis, ozone, and membrane bioreactors are being used to achieve zero liquid discharge goals. Clusters in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Punjab are witnessing investment in high-efficiency technology that facilitates compliance and recycling. These solutions aid industry sustainability while minimizing freshwater consumption. With environmental clearance tied to effluent norms, adoption is increasing in textile clusters where reuse and pollution control are critical.
• Food processing and beverage industry compliance: Indian food and beverage companies are incorporating tertiary systems to treat their wastewater to quality standards before discharge. Technologies such as ultrafiltration, activated carbon, and UV disinfection are being used for polishing and recycling. Firms are complying with FSSAI and CPCB regulations that require improved effluent quality. By recycling treated water for cleaning and process applications, companies are reducing the cost of operations and gaining environmental certifications. This increased focus on water sustainability by agro-processing clusters drives robust demand for compact and automated tertiary equipment.
• Pharmaceutical and chemical industry effluent management: India‘s pharma and chemical industries are in the limelight owing to effluents having harmful and complex chemicals. Tertiary treatment plays an essential role in curbing toxic burdens and adhering to ETP discharge standards. Installations like advanced oxidation units and nanofiltration systems are being implemented to treat leftover chemicals and new-age contaminants. SPCBs‘ and overseas buyers‘ regulatory requirements compel firms to upgrade their systems. As most of the pharma zones look for green compliance for export eligibility, tertiary systems are taking center stage in the sustainable operations of this sensitive industry.
• Industrial reuse and zero liquid discharge systems: India‘s industrial estates and SEZs are encouraging closed-loop water systems to minimize intake and discharge. Tertiary equipment facilitates water recycling within processes such as cooling, rinsing, and boiler feed. In areas with water scarcity like Rajasthan and Maharashtra, the implementation of ZLD is obligatory. Tertiary systems enable compliance along with water efficiency improvement. Public-private collaborations and industrial corridor projects incorporate water reuse infrastructure, generating a robust equipment demand. This industrial water circularity focus is driving market expansion across various industries.

Such growth prospects are a result of India‘s transition to sustainable water infrastructure. Urban local bodies, industry, and governments are fueling investment in tertiary systems that enhance water quality, facilitate reuse, and drive legal compliance. Whether it is achieving discharge standards in industry or reusing water in cities, tertiary treatment is becoming an essential solution. With rising industrial clusters and increasing water scarcity, application-specific demand for advanced technology will continue to gain momentum in India‘s wastewater market.

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

The Indian tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market is driven by a combination of environmental laws, economic compulsions, and technical requirements. Population explosion, water shortages, and more stringent effluent standards are primary drivers of growth. On the other hand, funding issues, lack of skilled manpower, and geographic infrastructure shortages pose challenges to market acceptance. The government is encouraging improved water treatment by initiatives such as the Jal Jeevan Mission and Ganga Rejuvenation, but effective implementation involves balancing cost, compliance, and capacity. These considerations collectively shape the changing opportunity space for tertiary treatment solutions in India.

The factors responsible for driving the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in India include:
• Strengthening regulatory requirements for effluent discharge: India‘s pollution control boards are enforcing stricter discharge standards under programs such as the Charter for Water Recycling and Zero Liquid Discharge. Industrial and municipal operations need to implement tertiary treatment in order to comply with standards for BOD, COD, and pathogens. New regulatory decisions mandate upgraded treatment facilities in industrial areas. This has necessitated tertiary equipment to ensure compliance. The regulatory push is being converted into consistent equipment demand, particularly from industries like textiles, tanneries, and pharma. Strict regulations remain a major market driver.
• Scarcity and incentives of reusing water: India is subjected to severe water stress in several areas as a result of excessive use and irregular rain. The government is promoting reuse of water in industry, agriculture, and urban supply to cope with limited resources. Tertiary treatment allows safe and secure recycling of wastewater. Tax rebates, subsidies, and award schemes are inducing industries and municipalities to make investments in reuse systems. Regions like Tamil Nadu and Delhi NCR are developing reuse schemes that rely on tertiary-level purification, increasing market prospects.
• Brisk urban development and infrastructure expansion: Urbanization and development of smart cities are fueling demand for decentralized water systems. Tertiary equipment facilitates localized reuse of wastewater and improved water cycle management. AMRUT and Jal Jeevan Mission projects incorporate advanced treatment to cater to increasing urban water demands. Cities are embracing energy-efficient systems capable of functioning in high-density environments. As circular water practices become more prevalent among cities, tertiary equipment will be the go-to infrastructure for future-proof urban development.
• Expansion of industrial and export industries: India‘s growing manufacturing and export-oriented industries come under international scrutiny with regard to water and environmental procedures. Tertiary systems enable them to ensure effluent quality and achieve foreign buyer-set sustainability standards. Electronics, auto, and food processing industries are embracing treatment systems to enhance ESG ratings. Export competitiveness is becoming more tied to compliance and certifications, and tertiary equipment is thus a strategic investment for retaining access to global markets.
• Development of modular and integrated technologies: Suppliers are launching small, pre-fabricated tertiary treatment plants for India‘s space-restricted and far-flung environments. Plug-and-play offerings bundle several processes into one unit, minimizing installation time and lifecycle expense. Automated systems requiring lower human intervention are favored by industries and urban consumers. This trend facilitates increased adoption, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises. Guided by smart and scalable systems, modular technology is driving market expansion and accessibility.

Challenges in the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in India are:
• High initial capital and operational expenses: Tertiary treatment facilities entail high initial investment, particularly for small enterprises and rural municipalities. Energy, membrane replacement, and chemical expenses can also be high when operating these facilities. In the absence of specific funding mechanisms or PPP, stakeholders tend to delay initiation. This cost hurdle impedes adoption even in priority segments, hindering market pickup. Less expensive financing and cost-sharing structures must be developed to diffuse adoption throughout the nation.
• Operational deficits and skill shortages: Trained operators are needed for reliable operation in advanced tertiary systems. Complex equipment cannot be operated by many users due to a shortage of technical staff. Routine maintenance breakdowns lower efficiency and impact compliance. This gap is enhanced in semi-urban and rural settings. Technical support and continuous training are not available, leading to increased system downtime and abuse. Capacity-building programs and remote monitoring systems are critical to address this issue.
• Regional imbalances in infrastructure development: India‘s water infrastructure development is uneven with some parts of the country more developed than others. Gujarat and Tamil Nadu states lead in tertiary adoption, while other parts of the northeastern and central regions are lagging due to funding or administrative challenges. These imbalances affect even market penetration. Central coordination and inter-state cooperation are required to provide balanced growth and prevent regional disparity in wastewater treatment infrastructure.

India‘s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment industry is moving forward through water scarcity, industrial growth, and regulatory implementation. Incentives, infrastructure projects, and environmental requirements drive growth. Despite this, capital limitations, gaps in skills, and regional disparities persist to limit uniform uptake. It will be necessary to close these gaps by means of policy initiatives, financing innovation, and technological uptake. As water sustainability demand increases, tertiary systems will be crucial to India‘s economic and environmental future.

List of Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in India 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 India by Segment

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

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

• Tertiary Clarifier
• Filter
• Chlorination Systems

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

• Municipal
• Industrial
• Others

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

Market Size Estimates: Tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment in India market size estimation in terms of value ($B).
Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends and forecasts by various segments.
Segmentation Analysis: Tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment in India market size by equipment and application in terms of value ($B).
Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different equipment and application for the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment in India.
Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment in India.
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 India?
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 India?
Answer: The future of the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in India looks promising with opportunities in the municipal and industrial markets.
Q3. Which tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market segment in India 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 India 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 India, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in India Size, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in India Growth, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in India Analysis, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in India Report, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in India Share, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in India Trends, Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in India 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.