Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in South Africa

Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment in South Africa Trends and Forecast

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

South Africa is countering water security and pollution issues by upgrading wastewater treatment with tertiary technologies. Increasing population, drought, and ageing infrastructure have increased stress on water infrastructure. Consequently, the country is adopting cutting-edge technologies that allow water reuse, energy savings, and decentralization. Public programs and donor-funded projects are facilitating innovation, particularly in underserved markets. These new trends are leading the market to modular, smart, and affordable treatment systems that can be used sustainably across different climatic and socioeconomic areas.

• Off-Grid Decentralized Tertiary Treatment Systems: With minimal centralized infrastructure in the rural provinces, South Africa is embracing decentralized tertiary systems with solar and hybrid power. The units are made for minimum operational input and purify water for reuse in sanitation, agriculture, and local services. Units in Limpopo and Eastern Cape employ filtration, UV, and nutrient removal modules. This is contributing to filling the gap in access to water and fits the government‘s objective to extend water services to areas outside urban areas.
• Tertiary Reuse in Urban Informal Settlements: Pilot schemes in Gauteng and Western Cape are field-testing greywater and blackwater recycling tertiary treatment systems in informal settlements. The systems consist of compact bioreactors and polishing steps to yield safe water for flushing and sanitizing. Funded by NGOs and public investment, this tendency promotes localized reuse, decreases water consumption, and improves sanitation in high-density areas with unstable infrastructure. It is an excellent real-world and people-centric approach to wastewater management in urbanizing areas.
• Blended Finance for Treatment Infrastructure Innovation: South Africa is applying hybrid finance models to drive adoption of tertiary treatment technology. Development banks, donor agencies, and local governments are co-financing schemes that integrate smart sensors, membrane technology, and nutrient polishing. Recent initiatives in Nelson Mandela Bay and Durban are enhancing municipal water quality and enabling reuse. This trend is redefining procurement by merging innovation and risk-sharing, enabling advanced equipment in budget-limited environments.
• Nature-Based Polishing Systems for River Protection: Cities are incorporating nature-based tertiary systems—such as constructed wetlands and reed beds—into mechanical treatment units to minimize nutrient and pathogen loads. Developments along the Vaal and Berg rivers are aimed at safeguarding ecosystems and rehabilitating water quality. Hybrid solutions promote biodiversity, minimize operation costs, and promote flood management. The trend suggests increasing enthusiasm for climate-resilient and environmentally compatible water treatment approaches that meet environmental protection objectives.
• Industrial Wastewater Valorization Initiatives: Mining, food processing, and beverage industries are implementing tertiary treatment technologies that not only brighten effluent but reclaim water and resources. Processes in Mpumalanga and Free State implement ultrafiltration, nutrient stripping, and sludge thickening to facilitate water reuse and energy recovery. This trend is driving circularity, assisting industries in adhering to discharge standards, and adding momentum to sustainability reporting under ESG frameworks in South Africa‘s business environment.

South Africa‘s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment sector is transforming with trends that are inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. From nature-based solutions to industrial reuse and rural modular units, these technologies target the country‘s varied problems. With finance models refining and public-private partnerships increasing, South Africa is well placed to enlarge treatment facilities in a manner both technologically driven and socially attuned.

Recent Developments in the Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in South Africa

South Africa is experiencing a pivotal revolution in its wastewater industry, with a concentration on upgrading treatment plants and enhancing water quality. With increasing environmental demands and infrastructure pressures, recent advances prioritize efficiency, reuse, and ecosystem preservation. Government initiatives, municipal funding, and donor assistance are driving the inclusion of tertiary systems in urban and industrial plants. These advancements are improving dependability and assisting the country in making strides toward long-term water resiliency and compliance with regulations.

• Municipal Plant Retrofits to Achieve Green Drop Standards: Upgrades to meet Green Drop certification are a priority for the Department of Water and Sanitation, with tertiary units including nutrient removal modules and disinfection systems being funded by cities such as Johannesburg and Tshwane. These upgrades enhance effluent quality, decrease harm to the environment, and regain regulatory compliance. This innovation increases wastewater standards and provides market opportunities to suppliers who can provide certified, high-efficiency tertiary systems.
• Eastern Cape Infrastructure Rehabilitation Projects: Infrastructure recovery projects in Eastern Cape are adding tertiary treatment plant equipment to facilities harmed by aging parts and climate effects. Upgrades involve sand filtration, UV equipment, and sludge handling units to improve operations and water reuse capabilities. These projects are crucial for stabilizing services in prone areas and meeting national water quality targets.
• Public-Private Partnership in Durban Reuse Scheme: The Kwinie Municipality has signed a PPP to increase its tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment capacity for industrial reuse. The plant comprises high-level filtration and ozonation technology to provide water for manufacturers in the area. The project illustrates increasing partnership between the government and private companies to develop sustainable water infrastructure and alleviate the pressure on water sources.
• Use of Digital Monitoring in Cape Town Plants: Secondary and tertiary systems in Cape Town are now aided by digital monitoring devices to provide real-time data on nutrient loads, flow rates, and disinfection effectiveness. The implementation provides automated alerting and remote control functions, allowing for predictive maintenance and energy efficiency. This innovation underpins the smart city vision and enhances treatment plant responsiveness and transparency.
• Treatment Expansion for Agri-Reuse in Western Cape: Western Cape is expanding tertiary treatment facilities to provide for agricultural irrigation through the use of treated effluent. New technologies with disk filtration, chemical polishing, and chlorination guarantee that the water to meet crop irrigation requirements. This increase enhances farm drought resilience and reduces the need for surface water in areas affected by persistent water scarcity.

Current changes throughout South Africa reflect a countrywide effort to enhance wastewater treatment and increase reuse. Ranging from compliance with regulations in cities to reuse schemes in industry and agriculture, these measures are transforming the industry. Strategic investment, provincial rehabilitation, and public-private partnerships are all contributing towards making the nation more capable of treating water efficiently and sustainably through innovation in tertiary treatment.

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

South Africa is confronted by severe water scarcity caused by drought, population increase, and industrial development. With growing water stress, tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment becomes imperative to expand water availability, sustain agriculture, and facilitate sustainable development. Government initiatives to develop water reuse and pollution control are stimulating the growth in demand for state-of-the-art treatment technologies. Applications in municipal, mining, manufacturing, and tourism markets are growing, holding out firm prospects for equipment suppliers providing effective, low-maintenance systems appropriate to the exceptional environmental and infrastructure profile of South Africa.

• Municipal Water Reuse for Urban Services: Urban cities are increasingly adopting tertiary treatment to recycle wastewater for irrigation, firefighting, and sanitation. Cape Town and Johannesburg are testing reuse systems using filtration, UV disinfection, and biological polishing. These projects respond to water scarcity while decreasing dependence on freshwater resources. This use underpins equipment demand for scalable and energy-efficient solutions that increase city resilience and deliver sustainable access to water across expanding urban populations.
• Mining Sector Wastewater Management: Mining operations produce sophisticated effluents that present environmental hazards. Tertiary processes like membrane separation and advanced oxidation assist in complying with regulations and facilitate reuse for ore processing and dust suppression. Closed-loop systems are being implemented by mining operations in Limpumalanga and Limpopo to minimize freshwater consumption. This growth trend manifests due to increasing regulation and industry demand to use cleaner methods, reinforcing steady demand for heavy-duty and modular treatment equipment.
• Industrial Parks and Export Processing Zones: South Africa‘s special economic zones accommodate varied industries with the need for efficient wastewater treatment. Tertiary equipment is being used to achieve effluent criteria, minimize discharge charges, and reclaim water for reuse internally. Membrane filtration, chlorination, and nutrient removal technology are highly sought by manufacturers looking to save water. As the zones grow, so does the market for plug-and-play tertiary technology for compliance and enabling sustainable industrial development.
• Irrigation of Agriculture with Treated Wastewater: With irrigation covering most freshwater consumption, tertiary treatment is necessary for the reuse of wastewater in agriculture, particularly in arid areas such as the Western Cape. Processes like nutrient polishing and pathogen removal make water safe for agriculture while saving surface water. This technology caters to smallholder and commercial farming, necessitating demand for decentralized treatment facilities that are cost-effective, easy to maintain, and flexible for rural infrastructure.
• Tourism and Eco-Lodge Infrastructure: Travel lodges and eco-resorts in sensitive regions need effective wastewater treatment to avoid pollution. Tertiary systems like small-scale MBRs and solar-powered UV systems make it possible to reuse for toilets and landscaping. As sustainable tourism expands to regions such as the Garden Route and Kruger National Park, decentralized, environmentally sound systems are needed. This is an emerging trend that supports niche market expansion for treatment equipment designed for low-footprint, off-grid use.

South Africa‘s water crisis is driving tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment adoption in municipalities, industry, and agriculture. Applications of these uses present scalable growth prospects for affordable and advanced systems that enable reuse, resilience, and compliance. With growing environmental and economic stress, the tertiary equipment market will grow ever larger to achieve national objectives for water security and sustainable development.

Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in South Africa Driver and Challenges

South Africa‘s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market is influenced by environmental demand, regulatory change, and economic upgrading. Key drivers are increasing water shortage, industrial push to decrease discharge, and national targets for reuse. Financial limitations, deteriorating infrastructure, and limited technical know-how are the challenges. Knowing how these drivers and inhibitors interact is needed to create flexible solutions and tap into the market potential of sustainable water treatment technologies.

The factors responsible for driving the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in South Africa include:
• Aggravating Water Scarcity and Climate Change: Droughts that recur and diminishing rainfall have rendered water scarcity a priority nationwide. Tertiary treatment prolongs water supply by allowing reuse in industry, agriculture, and urban areas. Equipment permitting polishing of effluents for non-potable reuse is on the rise. This driver guarantees continued demand for high-performance treatment systems that ensure the securing of water supply and the prevention of climate impacts in varied regions.
• National Water Reuse Framework Implementation: Wastewater reuse is fostered as a fundamental strategy by South Africa‘s National Water and Sanitation Master Plan. Municipal and industrial reuse facilities are being supported through guidelines and financing. Tertiary technology must be used to ensure the achievement of reuse water quality standards. This driver increases investment in treatment facility infrastructure and aids in the rollout of high-tech equipment both in urban and rural municipalities.
• Industrial Adherence to Water Discharge Standards: More stringent regulations under the National Environmental Management Act necessitate that wastewater is treated to higher standards before being discharged. Tertiary systems assist in reaching these standards and minimizing environmental fines. Mining, food industries, and manufacturing industries are making more investments in nutrient removal, filtration, and disinfection. This driver ensures rising demand for flexible treatment systems that assist firms in complying with legal requirements and enhancing ESG scores.
• Municipal Infrastructure Rehabilitation Programs: Investments by governments in the upgrading of wastewater plants are releasing demand for tertiary units. Numerous older plants cannot comply with today‘s discharge requirements, leading to retrofitting with polishing systems. Solutions that add equipment to improve existing infrastructure with minimal disruption are a priority. This driver presents long-term opportunities for suppliers offering modular, low-energy, and easy-to-integrate treatment solutions.
• Increasing Interest in Green Buildings and Smart Cities: Sustainable water systems are now more part of urban planning projects. Green building regulations and green certifications mandate tertiary systems for reclaimed water reuse. Developers are integrating treatment solutions within residential and commercial developments. Such a trend aligns well with the adoption of high-tech systems like MBBRs, ultrafiltration, and chemical polishing in compact packages ideal for high-density environments.

Challenges in the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in South Africa are:
• Budget Constraints in Public Sector Projects: Even with solid policy backing, numerous municipalities experience meager funding for infrastructure upgrades. The up-front expense of sophisticated tertiary systems is an impediment to broad implementation. Long procurement times and uncertain funding create further barriers to market expansion. Cost-effective, low-maintenance technologies must be brought in line with limited budgets to realize greater deployment.
• Aging and Fragmented Infrastructure: Most wastewater facilities have old systems that are not built for tertiary integration. Physical space, energy supply, and operational compatibility problems hinder retrofitting. Fragmented supervision among municipalities leads to inconsistent implementation. The problem demands customized solutions that function within the limitations that already exist and do not necessitate big-scale overhauls.
• Lack of Skilled Technical Operators: Sophisticated tertiary systems tend to need expert staff to maintain and optimize. The lack of trained technicians for rural and small towns restricts equipment lifecycle and efficiency. System simplification, remote monitoring, and training of operators are essential to counter this deficiency and achieve a successful long-term deployment.

South Africa‘s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market is expanding as the nation aims to ensure water supplies, facilitate industry support, and safeguard ecosystems. Although financial and operating limitations continue, regulatory and policy drivers are generating steady demand. Removing cost, infrastructure, and personnel constraints will be critical to unleashing the full potential of the market and supporting sustainable water management across the country.

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

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

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

• Tertiary Clarifier
• Filter
• Chlorination Systems

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

• Municipal
• Industrial
• Others

Features of the Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in South Africa

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