Water and Wastewater Pipe Market

Key data points: Market size in 2027 = $151.8 million and 2035 = $235.1 million, growth forecast = 5.6% annually for the next 8 years. Scroll below to get more insights. This market report covers trends, opportunities and forecasts in water and wastewater pipe market to 2035 by diameter type (large diameter pipes and small diameter pipes), material (metal pipes, plastic pipes, concrete pipes, and others), application (potable water pipes, wastewater pipes, and irrigation pipes), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World) Water and Wastewater Pipe Market The future of the global water and wastewater pipe market looks promising with opportunities in the potable water pipe, wastewater pipe, and irrigation pipe markets. The global water and wastewater pipe market is expected to reach an estimated $235.1 million by 2035 from $151.8 million in 2027 with a CAGR of 5.6% from 2027 to 2035. The major drivers for this market are the increasing demand for durable & corrosion-resistant pipes, the growing demand for replacement of old & aging pipeline networks, and the rising demand for awareness about water conservation & reuse. • Lucintel forecasts that, within the diameter type category, large diameter pipes is expected to witness higher growth over the forecast period due to the increasing investments in large scale water infrastructure. • Within the application category, potable water pipes is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period due to the rising demand for safe drinking water networks. • In terms of regions, APAC will remain the largest region over the forecast period due to the expanding urbanization and water infrastructure development. Gain valuable insights for your business decisions with our comprehensive 150+ page report. Sample figures with some insights are shown below. Emerging Trends in Water and Wastewater Pipe Market Between 2025 and 2027, the water and wastewater pipe market is expected to shift as demand moves away from replacement projects, and more toward the construction of resilient infrastructure and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions infrastructural projects. During this period, water utilities will aim to optimize the economy of the water cycle (the lifecycle of water) and improve water quality. According to Lucintel, the modernization of water and wastewater systems will increase as the demand for reliable and resilient water and wastewater systems increase due to the adverse impacts of climate change. Some of the ongoing trends in the water and wastewater systems are described below. • Sustainability: There will be a further effort to reduce the embodied carbon in water and wastewater infrastructure. Additionally, the revised European Wastewater Directive will require wastewater treatment plants to meet higher levels of treatment, which is expected to take effect in 2025. • Digital Manufacturing: There will be an increased investment in smart factories and data-led production. Continuous improvement in process control and product quality in the extrusion of polymer pipe will further reduce process variability and improve consistency. • Automation: There will be an increased use of robotics and automation in the water and wastewater infrastructure to improve the lifecycle of water and reduce the GHG emissions. These will further be supported by infrastructure projects, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of the United States. • Increased Use of Lightweight Materials: Traditional, heavier building materials continue to be replaced with high density polyethylene (HDPE) and other structured-wall systems during building renovations and new construction. During the same time frame, utilities will increasingly direct the installation of flexible line piping to convey water and wastewater to and from seismically isolated facilities. The greater the polymer’s lightweight and flexible characteristics, the easier and less costly it will be to transport and install the product in the water and wastewater systems of both urban and rural communities. • Greater Supply Diversity: Energy price volatility and unreliable international freight transportation disrupted the supply of polymer products. Because of these disruptions, water and wastewater utility customers and the contractors that install these systems have begun to purchase, store, and use second source polymer products. This trend will continue to 2030, despite the second source polymer products being more expensive. Demand will continue to increase due to the need to replace outdated water and wastewater systems, as well as growing populations and more stringent regulations. Dependable regional production will be the key to maintaining market share. Long term partnerships will allow companies to maintain a consistent competitive edge. Recent Developments in the Water and Wastewater Pipe Market The market for water and wastewater treatment is expected to grow in the coming years as water utilities upgrade their water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems. Meanwhile, material and equipment manufacturers are gearing up to manufacture larger and more various types of systems to meet the anticipated market demand. • Rehabilitation of Water and Wastewater Systems in The United States: The EPA’s allocation of approximately $6.5 billion in 2025 to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds was anticipated to help utilities fund the replacement of water and wastewater treatment systems and service distribution pipelines. This anticipated utilization of the funds is expected to increase the demand for corrosion-resistant (crew®) systems for the next 3 to 5 years. • Increased Water System Infrastructure in India: The Indian Government extended and increased the Jal Jeevan Mission from 2023 to 2028. As part of this extension, the Indian Government set aside approximately $8.42 billion to provide clean drinking water to the rural population. The increased funding for the extension of the Jal Jeevan mission is expected to create an increased demand for PVC, HDPE, and Ductile Iron piping systems. • Manufacturers are expanding extrusion and fabrication capacity in proximity to high-growth utility markets, and in March 2025, Advanced Drainage Systems announced it expected to spend approximately $200 million in c.f.a. (capital funds available for spending) in the fiscal year ending in 2026, to build manufacturing and supporting infrastructure. Once completed, the projects will reduce Advanced Drainage Systems’ lead time and support larger projects, like drainage and storm water management projects. • Utilities are using data and technology to manage their water distribution systems. In June 2025, the Xylem group announced the expansion of its digital water solutions, with a focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. As conditions dictate, utilities will opt for digital, connected solutions. • A greater focus on the life-cycle costs of infrastructure projects has led to specifications for piping systems containing recycled materials. In April 2025, the circular economy and climate change agendas of the European Commission resulted in the publication of detailed product frameworks, including legislation affecting the construction industry. The new laws will alter how pipe projects are designed and built in Europe. Despite the challenges presented by slow and atypical procurement processes, many pipe utilities are awarding projects based on whole life cycle costs. Projections see the most robust municipal replacement programs through 2027. Higher demand for piping systems will reinforce competitive pressures, especially for HDPE and PVC piping. Strategic Growth Opportunities in the Water and Wastewater Pipe Market Between 2024 and 2026, water and wastewater pipelines will see changes in market trends. The focus will shift to resilience and the expansion of treatment facilities. Additionally, there will be market changes to reduce the lifecycle costs of treatment facilities. The markets will be further concentrated by the rules and regulations pertaining to leakage and the unpredictable changes in the infrastructure as a result of climate change. Simultaneously, Lucintel has identified several opportunities in the water and wastewater treatment facilities. • Digital Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of water and wastewater pipelines provides a source of recurring income through the sale and maintenance of the equipment. The U.S. EPA has set a target of 2025 to allocate $6.5 billion through WIFIA for the incorporation of digital monitoring of water and wastewater pipelines. • Trenchless Rehabilitation: The same technologies can be utilized for the rehabilitation of water and wastewater pipelines. Rising municipal focus on the renewal of water and wastewater treatment facilities will create additional market opportunities. According to the U.S. EPA, the water and wastewater treatment facilities require an investment of $625 billion and $250 billion, respectively. We anticipate the following trends in the water and wastewater markets for the next five years. • Premiums on Products Resistant To Corrosion and Other Failure Modes: We expect continued premiums on products used in saline water and wastewater services, as well as on industrial products, due to the high reliability, corrosion resistance, and service life requirements of these products. Additionally, we expect tighter chemistry limitations, particularly with regard to the U.S. EPA’s planned regulation of 10 PFAS, which could further support the use of products made with traceable, restricted-substitution materials. • Increased Demand for Reclaimed and High-Purity Water: We expect continued demand for high-purity water and reclaimed water for use in growing data centers and the semiconductor and battery industries, and for use in various food processing. Based on the forecast by the IEA, we expect the data center industry to increase water consumption by 945 TWh by the year 2030. Water demand from these industries could result in the extension of conventional, peak, and average pipe service lives. • Localized Manufacturing: We expect continuing efforts to manufacture products in more localized areas. Such efforts are expected to reduce supply chain risks and increase supply chain security, particularly for the raw materials needed to manufacture various products. Moreover, we anticipate increased investment to improve water infrastructure in the European Union, especially if the EU publically aligns its procurement policies with the goals of the “Green Deal.” We anticipate the aforementioned policies to favor the local production of water treatment products and to secure the supply of water treatment products. In the water treatment products industry, specification-based procurement is expected to continue and to align with the policies of localized manufacturing. Policies to promote localized manufacturing should increase the number of projects funded by public water agencies and, thus, should benefit water treatment products suppliers, as these policies facilitate an improvement in the supply of water treatment products, support increased production of water treatment products, and result in the stabilization of prices for water treatment products. Water and Wastewater Pipe Market Drivers and Challenges Trends in technology and regulation, as well as investments in infrastructure, have an effect on markets for water and wastewater pipelines. So does the environment. Water shortages and the need for more efficient water use lead to greater demand for water and wastewater pipelines. The ongoing review of building codes and other standards related to the design, construction and installation of water and wastewater pipelines is expected to enhance safety and facilitate the replacement and installation of more pipelines. An emphasis on the use of more innovative materials is changing the design and construction of water and wastewater pipelines. According to Lucintel, the market for water and wastewater pipelines is expected to grow in the long term. However, in the short term, uncertainty in the pricing of raw materials and the cost to provide pipelines may constrain market growth. The factors responsible for driving this market include: • Pipe Replacements: The continual breaks and high maintenance costs of infrastructure has utilities replacing pipelines. The EPA’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds have allocated approximately $6.5 billion for fiscal year 2025. The funds support replacement programs which increase demand for pipelines like ductile iron, PVC and other composite pipelines. Increased regulatory standards to reduce water loss and improve water infrastructure will increase replacement and rehabilitation of infrastructure, especially in the most water-stressed areas. • Increased Population: With more people moving to cities and industrialization, improved water infrastructure and wastewater treatment facilities are in greater demand. Between now and 2025, the world’s urban areas and industrialization will increase the need for larger and more pipelines and infrastructure. • Improvements in Technology: Several emerging technologies are improving the performance of water and wastewater systems by reducing disruptions during installation and improvement of asset management. Some of these technologies include the use of innovative materials, smart sensors, and trenchless installation methods. The revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive of the European Union sets higher standards and requires utilities to improve their wastewater treatment and monitoring. Within the next three to five years, there will be greater emphasis on long-term and continuous flow management, and detection of leaks and other issues in the system. • Water Conservation and Sustainability: Various circumstances including the effects of climate change and pollution, and the need to implement circular economy practices, increase the demand for water and wastewater systems and create an opportunity for the reuse of water. It is expected that between 2025 and beyond, various countries will invest in water and wastewater systems to alleviate water stress conditions and improve water quality. During the next three to five years, there will be increased focus on the durability and water savings of piped systems, and other water and wastewater infrastructure. • improvements in technology, automation, and extrusion processes, as well as more uniform fittings and economies of scale have allowed manufacturers to increase consistency, decrease waste, and reduce the overall cost of plastic products throughout their service life. Furthermore, it is expected that by 2025 the global industry capacity to produce polymers would exceed 500 million metric tons, thus enhancing the availability of raw materials used to make plastic products. Lightweight plastic products, such as PVC and HDPE, tend to be less expensive, in comparison to their heavier counterparts, because of lower costs associated with their transport and installation. The use of plastic products in the water and wastewater infrastructure is expected to increase during the next three to five years because of the benefits, such as lightweight, easy installations, and minimal maintenance. The challenges facing this market include: • Price Fluctuations of Raw Materials: The price volatility of raw materials, such as crude oil and resins, additives, energy, and other inputs, negatively impacts the pipe manufacturing industry. The price of PVC and polyethylene, among other products, is highly dependent on the price of crude oil, and such volatility creates uncertainty in the pipe manufacturing industry. Over the next three to five years, changes in the geopolitical situation are expected to create instability in the prices of crude oil and other raw materials, and to negatively impact the pipe manufacturing industry. In order to offset such risks, raw material producers should increase their raw material sourcing, and raw material pipe manufacturing companies should develop and implement strategies to improve raw material inventory management. Flexibility in manufacturing contracts would also be beneficial. • High Capital Requirements and Financing Constraints: Water and wastewater projects have high up-front costs for things like excavation, treatment and pumping facilities, land and community infrastructure. The World Bank shows that in 2025, low and middle-income countries will have a $1 trillion infrastructure gap. Urban areas typically have the greatest needs for water and wastewater services, and often the least municipally-owned revenues to fund projects. These areas also face high costs of capital, and have numerous other priority expenditures, all of which contribute to financing constraints. As a result, the water and wastewater infrastructure needs of low-income countries are not likely to be met in the next 5-10 years. This time frame will likely rely on public and multilateral funding, as well as public-private partnerships. • Regulatory and Approvals: United wastewater standards are continually changing, and in 2025 the European Union will require more stringent wastewater treatment and monitoring. Additionally, differences in codes, standards and practices for materials and installations increase the costs and the time it takes to obtain approvals for a project. Regulations stimulate the need for improved infrastructure, but inconsistent rules across different countries can obstruct the approval and the free movement of products. In the short term, manufacturers will need to develop greater flexibility in design to incorporate various changes required by different regulations. Continued developments in technology will help meet growing demand for water and waste water treatment. Changes in the source and quality of raw materials, and unstable and sometimes contradictory legislation, will continue to affect the water treatment and distribution industry. Manufacturers will need to develop greater flexibility to adapt to variable demand and requirements. Investments in improved and digitized manufacturing, along with greater focus on more sustainable raw materials will help manufactures meet the demands of the industry. While there are and will continue to be near term challenges for companies in the water and waste water treatment industry, particularly relating to the diminishing availability of funding, public investment in these areas should outperform constraining challenges in the midterm. List of Water and Wastewater Pipe Market 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 water and wastewater pipe market companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the water and wastewater pipe market companies profiled in this report include- • JM Eagle • Tenaris SA • Orbia • China LESSO Group Holdings Ltd. • Cemex SAB de CV • Future Pipe Industries • Saint-Gobain SA • Northwest Pipe Company • Aliaxis Group SA/NV • National Pipe and Plastics Water and Wastewater Pipe Market by Segment The study includes a forecast for the global water and wastewater pipe market by diameter type, material, application, and region. Water and Wastewater Pipe Market by Diameter Type [Value ($M) from 2019 to 2035]: • Large Diameter Pipes • Small Diameter Pipes Water and Wastewater Pipe Market by Material [Value ($M) from 2019 to 2035]: • Metal Pipes • Plastic Pipes • Concrete Pipes • Others Water and Wastewater Pipe Market by Application [Value ($M) from 2019 to 2035]: • Potable Water Pipes • Wastewater Pipes • Irrigation Pipes Water and Wastewater Pipe Market by Region [Value ($M) from 2019 to 2035]: • North America • Europe • Asia Pacific • The Rest of the World Country Wise Outlook for the Water and Wastewater Pipe Market 2025-2027 is expected to see large-scale investments in water infrastructure. This includes improvements to water quality and the modernization of water distribution networks. Increased regulations on water quality and recent funding have stimulated the construction and upgrade of water distribution and wastewater treatment networks. According to Lucintel, this has increased the demand for municipal and industrial water and wastewater systems and the pipe networks that support them. • United States: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, which was signed by President Biden, provides funding to the Environmental Protection Agency to allocate funds to state revolving loan funds to improve the water and wastewater systems. This will create a continuous source of funding for the state loan funds through 2030. • China: In 2025, the Ministry of Water Resources announced a three-year plan to invest over 1 trillion RMB in the water conservancy sector, to fund the modernization of water and wastewater systems. This investment is expected to create a continuing source of demand for large diameter pipes in the same sector. • Germany: BASF plans to finish constructing a new wastewater treatment facility by the end of 2024 at their Ludwigshafen site. As part of BASF’s company strategy to expand their integrated chemical complex, they will continue to make large-scale investments in their infrastructure. Upgrades to industrial complexes will continue to create demand for process and wastewater pipelines. • India: The Union Cabinet increased funding and extended the timeline for the Jal Jeevan Mission to December 2028. The mission aims to provide sustained water supply to rural households and improve access to clean and potable water. This extension creates a long-term outlook for the procurement of rural water supply systems. • Japan: The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, allocated 6.09 trillion yen (approximately $42.4 billion) for 2025 to fund the improvement and reconstruction of public facilities and utilities. Investments in water systems and services improve and enhance water supply and wastewater systems and services. Continuous public works funding supports municipal water systems to be replaced and upgraded with ductile iron and other high-strength plastic pipelines. Features of the Global Water and Wastewater Pipe Market Market Size Estimates: water and wastewater pipe market size estimation in terms of value ($M). Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2026) and forecast (2027 to 2035) by various segments and regions. Segmentation Analysis: water and wastewater pipe market size by diameter type, material, application, and region in terms of value ($M). Regional Analysis: water and wastewater pipe market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different diameter type, material, application, and regions for the water and wastewater pipe market. Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the water and wastewater pipe market. Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter’s Five Forces model. If you are looking to expand your business in this or adjacent markets, then contact us. We have done hundreds of strategic consulting projects in market entry, opportunity screening, due diligence, supply chain analysis, M & A, and more. This report answers following 11 key questions: Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the water and wastewater pipe market by diameter type (large diameter pipes and small diameter pipes), material (metal pipes, plastic pipes, concrete pipes, and others), application (potable water pipes, wastewater pipes, and irrigation pipes), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)? Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why? Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why? Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market? Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market? Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them? Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market? Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments? Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth? Q.10. 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.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?