India Water Treatment Market - Strategic Insights and Forecasts (2026-2031)

The Indian water treatment market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.1%, reaching US$9.89 billion in 2031 from US$6.40 billion in 2026.

India's burgeoning population of over 1.4 billion and swift urbanization, projected to hit 600 million urban dwellers by 2030, are exerting pressure on the country's water resources. This escalating demand has catalyzed the need for effective water treatment solutions. According to the National Mission for Clean Ganga's 2021 report, urban households generated a significant sewage volume of 72,368 MLD annually, with just 44% (31,841 MLD) of sewage treatment capacity functioning at the secondary level. Operational issues plagued 15% of this capacity, rendering only 63% (20,235 MLD) of sewage collected and treated, presenting ample room for enhancement.

Additionally, stringent water quality regulations mandated by the Indian government, including the 2012 National Water Policy, highlight the urgency of compliance for both enterprises and individuals to safeguard public health. The policy envisions comprehensive water management and quality preservation over the next 25 years, targeting improvements in river, lake, and groundwater conditions.

India Water Treatment Market Growth Drivers:

• Increasing Government Regulation for Water Treatment

By 2030, it is anticipated that India's water consumption will be twice as high as its availability.  Public and corporate institutions have ambitious plans to create extensive water treatment and distribution infrastructure to meet these issues. In the nation, there is an increase in demand for sophisticated treatment methods.

Furthermore, as a result of several government initiatives, such as the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the Atal Mission for Renewal and Urban Transformation, the Jal Jeevan Mission, and Community Drinking Water Schemes, the Indian water treatment business is also growing. The Jal Shakti Ministry was established by the Indian government in May 2019 to provide the country's citizens with safe drinking water.  The Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to bring piped drinking water to 146 million homes in 700,000 villages by 2024, was started by the Jal Shakti Ministry not long after it was established.  To improve the coverage of household water connections from 18.33 % in 2019 to 100 % in 2024, the mission allocated $51 billion to the states.

• Indian Freshwater Resources

India has a total of 1,896 billion cubic meters of renewable internal freshwater resources, which is about 4% of the world's total. However, India is also a very populous country, with over 1.4 billion people. This means that the per capita freshwater availability in India is only about 1,220 cubic meters per year, which is below the global average of 1,700 cubic meters per year. The majority of India's freshwater withdrawals are used for agriculture (70%), followed by industry (20%) and domestic use (10%). This heavy reliance on agriculture for freshwater is putting a strain on India's water resources, as the country's population continues to grow.

The variation in the number of freshwater bodies signifies the heterogeneity of water availability and quality across regions. States like Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal boast a substantial count of freshwater bodies, indicating significant aquatic resources. However, this abundance does not equate to unencumbered access, as pollution, over-extraction, and climatic shifts pose challenges to these resources.

• Sewage Treatment Plants

Sewage generation in India has emerged as a significant concern due to rapid urbanization and population growth. The substantial distribution of sewage treatment plants (STPs) across Indian states and union territories in 2020 exemplifies the nation's concerted drive toward enhancing water quality and propels the dynamic growth of India's water treatment market. The escalating number of STPs underscores a collective resolve to combat water pollution and bolster environmental sustainability.

With urbanization expanding, the imperative to adopt effective sewage management systems becomes increasingly urgent. This data portrays the states' commitment to sustainable water solutions, fueling a thriving market for innovative water treatment technologies and infrastructure. The surge in STPs signifies a significant stride toward securing cleaner water resources, aligning harmoniously with India's quest for comprehensive and eco-conscious wastewater management practices, and galvanizing the nation's pursuit of a more sustainable water future.

India Water Treatment Market Segment Analysis:

• By end-user, the municipal segment is expected to witness strong growth

The growing demand for municipal supply of water, coupled with the high sewage water generation, and most of it left untreated, is anticipated to boost the water treatment market for the municipal sector.

According to the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), NITI Aayog, the Indian government, a major 24% of the municipal water is supplied to the industrial sector for operations. In addition, the source stated that the per-person consumption per day of water by the urban population in India stands at about 195 liters as compared to the global average of just 135 liters per person per day of consumption of water.

Furthermore, as per the source, the treatment capacity stands for only about 31% of the total municipal wastewater generation from the metropolitan, class 1, and class 2 cities in the country. The scarcity of treatment of municipal wastewater generated is also anticipated to offer major opportunities to the market suppliers aiming to scale the market, hence propelling the water treatment market in the country.

• By state, Punjab is expected to hold a considerable market share in 2028

The evaluation of Punjab’s water treatment market will delve into critical factors that shape the water treatment landscape within Punjab. These factors encompass a comprehensive analysis of variables such as regional rainfall patterns, reflecting the availability of natural water sources. Moreover, an integral aspect of the evaluation entails examining the extent of groundwater consumption, a factor intricately linked to Punjab's water security. The prevalence of access to tap water across the state will be a crucial indicator of infrastructure development and its impact on addressing water accessibility challenges.

• Treatment Capacity in Punjab

In February 2021, for instance, a significant development took place in Punjab's water infrastructure with the establishment of the state's inaugural "Central Water Treatment Plant," a project with a total cost of Rs 232 crore. Situated in the Moga village of Daudhar, this water treatment plant was executed through a collaborative effort between the Punjab government and the World Bank. The project was brought to fruition by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a notable player in the industry. Over the next decade, the responsibility of operating and maintaining this essential infrastructure will be shouldered by the corporation, ensuring the sustained delivery of clean drinking water to the local communities.

India Water Treatment Market Developments:

• February 2026: Veolia secured two long-term operation and maintenance contracts for major Mumbai water treatment plants totaling about 2,910 MLD capacity, reinforcing large-scale municipal water infrastructure development in India.

• September 2025: Delhi Jal Board prepared to inaugurate Asia’s largest wastewater treatment plant at Okhla, designed to significantly expand sewage processing capacity and support national river-cleaning initiatives under the Namami Gange programme.

• August 2025: SPML Infra Limited secured a ?1,073-crore AMRUT 2.0 project in Indore, including construction of a 400-MLD water treatment plant, pumping stations, pipelines, and long-term operations to strengthen urban drinking water supply.

• April 2025: Delhi Jal Board confirmed the 564-MLD Okhla wastewater treatment plant became fully operational, benefiting around four million residents and supporting large-scale sewage treatment and Yamuna river cleanup efforts.

• January 2025: Schneider Electric secured a contract to automate India’s largest 2,000-MLD water treatment plant at Bhandup, Mumbai, deploying digital energy management and process control technologies to improve efficiency and water supply reliability.

India Water Treatment Market Scope