Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment Market in Spain

Tertiary Water & Wastewater Treatment Equipment in Spain Trends and Forecast

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

Spain is facing rising water stress due to recurring droughts, growing urbanization, and intensive agricultural demands. To combat these challenges, the country is adopting advanced tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment systems that enable water reuse, enhance effluent quality, and support sustainable resource management. Innovation is driving this transition, with growing interest in nature-based systems, modular installations, and smart controls. These emerging trends reflect Spain’s alignment with EU Green Deal priorities and its focus on achieving climate resilience, resource circularity, and environmental protection through modernized water infrastructure.

• Hybrid Natural and Mechanical Tertiary Systems: Spain is integrating constructed wetlands and biofilters with mechanical treatment systems to enhance effluent polishing. These hybrid setups, increasingly used in small municipalities and peri-urban zones, lower operational costs and reduce nutrient discharge into sensitive ecosystems. The combination of natural processes with filtration and UV modules ensures compliance while supporting biodiversity and carbon reduction. This trend is expanding due to national interest in climate-adaptive, low-energy water solutions aligned with EU sustainability initiatives.
• AI-Based Optimization in Wastewater Treatment: Artificial intelligence is being employed in Spain’s tertiary systems to automate control of disinfection, filtration, and chemical dosing. Platforms analyze real-time flow, turbidity, and microbial indicators to ensure optimal performance. Municipalities like Zaragoza and Valencia are piloting AI tools to reduce chemical use and lower energy consumption. This trend promotes efficiency and reliability while preparing infrastructure for predictive maintenance, contributing to longer equipment life and reduced environmental impact.
• Aquifer Recharge Using Treated Effluent: Treated wastewater is increasingly used to recharge depleted aquifers in drought-prone regions like Murcia and Andalusia. Tertiary systems employing advanced nutrient removal and micro-pollutant filtration ensure safe infiltration. This trend helps restore groundwater reserves, mitigates salinization, and enhances long-term water security. As Spain’s climate becomes more arid, aquifer recharge is gaining prominence as a strategic reuse application supported by EU-funded environmental water programs.
• Tourism Sector Water Reuse Solutions: Hotels and coastal resorts are adopting decentralized tertiary treatment systems to reuse greywater for landscaping and sanitation. Compact MBRs, disinfection units, and smart controllers enable low-footprint installations that meet regional water quality standards. This trend is particularly strong in the Balearic and Canary Islands, where seasonal water demand surges. Reuse systems enhance sustainability branding and help the hospitality sector manage water responsibly amid rising environmental expectations.
• Upgrading of Rural Treatment Infrastructure: Spain is modernizing outdated wastewater treatment facilities in rural and mountainous areas using modular tertiary equipment. Small-footprint technologies such as sand filtration, chlorination, and chemical polishing are being deployed in towns with populations under 5,000. These upgrades ensure compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive and prevent contamination of surface and groundwater. The trend reflects national efforts to achieve uniform water quality standards and reduce urban-rural disparities in infrastructure.

Spain’s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment sector is rapidly evolving through technology integration, resource reuse, and decentralized innovation. From AI optimization to aquifer recharge and tourism-driven reuse, emerging trends are positioning the market to respond proactively to climate and regulatory challenges. These shifts will continue to drive demand for smart, modular, and environmentally adaptive equipment across both urban and rural applications.

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

Spain is advancing its tertiary wastewater infrastructure in response to mounting water scarcity, tighter environmental standards, and European Union directives. Recent developments reflect investments in municipal upgrades, reuse schemes, and smart water initiatives. Supported by the EU Recovery and Resilience Plan and Spain’s Water Cycle Digitalization Strategy, new equipment installations are enhancing effluent quality, enabling water reuse, and reducing ecosystem impact. These initiatives are laying the groundwork for a modern and resilient national water management system.

• Barcelona’s Advanced Polishing Facility Expansion: Barcelona has expanded its tertiary treatment capacity at the Baix Llobregat plant to supply reclaimed water for industrial and park irrigation. The facility now includes advanced oxidation and ultrafiltration systems that exceed conventional standards. This development significantly increases reuse capacity, supports drought resilience, and aligns with city-level climate adaptation planning. It also showcases Spain’s leadership in urban water reuse solutions.
• Digital Twin Integration in Madrid WWTPs: Madrid has introduced digital twin technology in two of its major wastewater treatment facilities to optimize tertiary operations. These virtual models simulate flow and treatment behavior under various conditions, helping operators improve process efficiency and reduce downtime. This development enables real-time monitoring and smarter asset management, contributing to long-term reliability and performance in tertiary equipment.
• Public-Private Partnership for Rural Water Treatment: A new PPP project in Castile-La Mancha is delivering modular tertiary systems for rural municipalities. The installations include disinfection units and advanced nutrient removal modules tailored for low-capacity plants. This initiative addresses compliance gaps in small towns and demonstrates how public-private models can extend modern treatment access to underfunded areas. It is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar projects across Spain.
• Reuse Pipeline Expansion in Alicante: Alicante has expanded its reclaimed water distribution network by integrating new tertiary systems across regional plants. The initiative features UV disinfection and disk filtration units aimed at producing high-quality effluent for agricultural irrigation. This development supports local farming, reduces stress on freshwater sources, and contributes to Spain’s target of 20 percent water reuse by 2030 under national climate policy.
• EU Green Deal-Funded Pilot in Andalusia: A tertiary pilot plant funded through the EU Green Deal is being tested in Andalusia, combining micro-pollutant removal with energy recovery. Using nanofiltration and advanced oxidation, the system treats municipal effluent for environmental discharge and reuse. This development introduces a high-standard benchmark for future public infrastructure projects, aligning local treatment goals with European environmental targets and circular economy principles.

Spain’s recent developments in tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment reflect strategic modernization aligned with EU goals, water reuse expansion, and digital innovation. Through investments in urban hubs and rural towns alike, Spain is reshaping its water infrastructure to be more resilient, efficient, and sustainable. These actions are creating new demand for high-performance tertiary systems that serve both environmental protection and long-term water security.

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

Spain is intensifying efforts to secure water resources due to recurrent droughts, uneven rainfall, and increasing urban demand. Tertiary water treatment plays a key role in optimizing water reuse, meeting environmental regulations, and supporting key sectors such as agriculture and tourism. As the country prioritizes circular water practices and EU-aligned sustainability objectives, applications for advanced treatment equipment are expanding across municipalities, industries, and rural areas. This opens targeted growth opportunities for scalable, efficient, and regulation-compliant tertiary treatment solutions.

• Urban Water Reuse in Municipal Services: Spanish cities are adopting tertiary treatment systems to recover wastewater for non-potable urban uses. Applications include irrigation of parks, street cleaning, and industrial supply. Cities like Seville and Valencia are investing in membrane filtration and UV disinfection units to treat municipal effluent. This supports water conservation and aligns with EU water reuse regulations. The opportunity favors compact, automated equipment that integrates easily into existing facilities and enables municipalities to achieve ambitious reuse targets and reduce pressure on freshwater reserves.
• Agricultural Irrigation in Drought-Prone Regions: Regions such as Andalusia and Murcia face persistent drought conditions, prompting the use of treated wastewater for crop irrigation. Tertiary systems that remove nutrients and pathogens make this reuse safe and productive. With agriculture consuming over 65 percent of Spain’s water, this application is vital for long-term water security. Modular, energy-efficient systems suited to farm-scale and cooperative infrastructure are in high demand, creating strong opportunities for suppliers focused on decentralized, field-ready solutions.
• Tourism Sector Wastewater Management: Tourist regions in the Balearic and Canary Islands require robust water infrastructure to accommodate seasonal demand spikes. Tertiary treatment allows hotels, resorts, and municipalities to reuse wastewater for landscaping and greywater supply. Equipment such as compact MBRs and chlorination units is widely used. As sustainable tourism gains policy and consumer support, demand is rising for low-footprint, high-efficiency systems that minimize environmental impact while ensuring health and safety in hospitality operations.
• Industrial Parks and Food Processing Zones: Industrial clusters, especially in Catalonia and the Basque Country, are turning to tertiary treatment to comply with discharge standards and cut water costs. Food processors, chemical plants, and textile units are installing polishing systems for reuse in cooling, cleaning, and production. Membrane technologies, biological filters, and advanced oxidation are in growing demand. This creates a strong market for suppliers offering tailored solutions for varied industrial effluents and energy-conscious operations.
• Eco-District and Smart City Developments: Spain’s smart city projects are integrating sustainable water practices, including closed-loop wastewater recycling. New urban zones are embedding tertiary systems to support greywater reuse and reduce strain on public supply. These systems support environmental certifications and help cities meet circular economy goals. Developers are investing in compact, tech-enabled solutions that offer real-time monitoring, automation, and seamless design integration. This segment supports long-term growth for manufacturers of digital-ready tertiary systems.

Spain’s focus on water reuse, climate resilience, and EU compliance is creating multi-sector demand for tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment . Urban utilities, agriculture, tourism, and industry all offer scalable applications for advanced solutions. Suppliers that align with sustainability goals and offer adaptable technologies stand to benefit significantly from these structural shifts in Spain’s water management strategy.

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

Spain’s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market is driven by environmental regulation, regional water scarcity, and EU policy alignment. Advances in technology, infrastructure funding, and smart city planning further accelerate adoption. However, challenges remain, including aging infrastructure, limited operator capacity, and cost concerns. A clear understanding of these drivers and barriers is critical for unlocking opportunities and sustaining long-term growth in tertiary equipment deployment across Spain.

The factors responsible for driving the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Spain include:
• Compliance with EU Water Framework and Reuse Regulations: The European Union requires member states to ensure high-quality wastewater discharge and promotes water reuse. Spain is advancing implementation of Directive 2020/741 on minimum water reuse standards. Tertiary treatment systems are critical for meeting these obligations. As enforcement tightens, public and private operators are investing in polishing units to meet nutrient, microbial, and pollutant thresholds. This regulatory alignment is a key driver boosting demand for standardized, compliant tertiary systems.
• National Response to Drought and Water Scarcity: Spain faces ongoing challenges due to climate change and irregular rainfall. Tertiary treatment helps maximize water reuse and secure supply during droughts. National and regional plans allocate funding for advanced treatment upgrades, particularly in high-risk zones like the Mediterranean coast. This driver supports continuous demand for scalable and reliable equipment capable of operating efficiently in water-stressed conditions across sectors such as farming, cities, and tourism.
• Industrial Modernization and Circular Economy Goals: Spanish industry is embracing water reuse to reduce environmental footprints and enhance competitiveness. Tertiary systems are integral to circular economy strategies focused on reducing discharge and conserving inputs. Manufacturers are investing in polishing units to reclaim water and align with ISO and ESG targets. This driver increases adoption in industries such as food processing, textiles, and chemicals, sustaining demand for industry-specific tertiary treatment solutions.
• Public Sector Infrastructure Investments: Government-led wastewater treatment upgrades are revitalizing aging municipal plants with tertiary systems. EU recovery funds and domestic grants support integration of nutrient removal, UV disinfection, and membrane units. These investments aim to enhance water quality and enable urban reuse. The focus is on equipment with low operating costs and ease of integration into legacy facilities. This driver creates sustained procurement opportunities for adaptable, cost-effective technologies.
• Smart City and Green Urban Development Trends: Urban redevelopment in Spain increasingly integrates smart water systems. Tertiary treatment is a core component in eco-districts, supporting reuse, water conservation, and energy efficiency. These developments favor compact, automated equipment that can integrate with sensors, analytics, and remote control systems. This driver aligns with broader policy goals and encourages adoption of advanced treatment solutions with digital capabilities and small footprints.

Challenges in the tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market in Spain are:
• Aging Wastewater Infrastructure: Many wastewater treatment plants in Spain were built decades ago and are not equipped for tertiary integration. Physical constraints, outdated controls, and limited processing capacity make retrofitting difficult. Upgrades are costly and require careful planning. This challenge can delay implementation of tertiary systems and limits adoption unless modular, non-invasive equipment options are offered.
• Limited Technical Workforce in Small Municipalities: Smaller towns lack skilled personnel to operate and maintain advanced tertiary systems. This creates reliance on outsourced services or underutilization of installed systems. It also increases lifecycle costs and risks of non-compliance. Suppliers must address this challenge through simplified design, remote support tools, and training programs to ensure broader market reach.
• High Cost and Energy Demand of Advanced Systems: Tertiary equipment, particularly membrane and oxidation-based technologies, involves high capital and operational expenses. Energy consumption adds to the financial burden. Cost concerns limit adoption in budget-constrained public entities and small industries. Market growth depends on the development of more energy-efficient systems and affordable procurement models such as leasing or performance-based contracts.

Spain’s tertiary water & wastewater treatment equipment market is growing steadily due to strong environmental policies, water reuse goals, and urban modernization. Despite challenges related to cost, infrastructure, and labor, national funding and EU mandates are driving adoption across sectors. Equipment providers offering efficient, easy-to-integrate solutions stand to benefit as Spain transitions toward a more sustainable and resilient water management framework.

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

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

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

• Tertiary Clarifier
• Filter
• Chlorination Systems

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

• Municipal
• Industrial
• Others

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

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