Wastewater Treatment Technology: 2025 & Beyond

Innovation in wastewater treatment technology improves operational efficiency and sustainability. For example, membrane bioreactors (MBRs) with nanofiltration and ultrafiltration capabilities enable water purity levels to lower energy consumption during the filtration process. In parallel, AI-driven predictive analytics platforms collect data to offer real-time insights into flow rates, chemical concentrations, and equipment performance to optimize operations. Additionally, machine learning (ML) algorithms predict system failures for proactive maintenance that reduces downtime and extends equipment life. Also, advanced oxidation processes (AOP) break down persistent organic pollutants to tackle contamination issues.

As these technologies evolve, stakeholders in the wastewater management industry must integrate them into their operations to optimize resource utilization, enhance treatment efficiency, and meet increasing environmental regulations. This report provides specific insights into how these technologies improve operational efficiency, lower costs, and contribute to more sustainable water management practices.

Why should you read this report?

• Gain insights into the top 10 technologies impacting wastewater treatment.
• Learn about three practical use cases for each technology.
• Meet 10 innovative startups advancing these technologies.

Key Takeaways

1. Additive Manufacturing
   • Use Cases:
     • Custom Pipe Fittings
     • Prototype Development
     • On-site Maintenance
   • Startup to Watch: Pipeline Organics
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
   • Use Cases:
     • Predictive Maintenace
     • Water Quality Monitoring
     • Demand Forecasting
   • Startup to Watch: Pallon
3. Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)
   • Use Cases:
     • Operator Training
     • System Design and Visualization
     • Remote Assistance
   • Startup to Watch: digital-water.city
4. Big Data & Analytics
   • Use Cases:
     • Water Usage Analytics
     • System Performance Monitoring
     • Environmental Impact Analysis
   • Startup to Watch: ManholeMetrics
5. Blockchain
   • Use Cases:
     • Real-time Monitoring and Analysis
     • Remote Management and Control
     • Simulation and Modeling
   • Startup to Watch: Aquaphra
6. CleanTech
   • Use Cases:
     • Energy-Efficient Treatment
     • Renewable Energy Integration
     • Water Recycling
   • Startup to Watch: Algaesys
7. Connectivity Technologies
   • Use Cases:
     • Remote Monitoring
     • Smart Grid Management
     • IoT Implementation
   • Startup to Watch: Heed
8. Internet of Things (IoT)
   • Use Cases:
     • Smart Metering
     • Infrastructure Monitoring
     • Process Automation
   • Startup to Watch: DigitalPaani
9. Advanced Robotics
   • Use Cases:
     • Inspection and Maintenance
     • Water Quality Monitoring
     • Cleaning and Treatment
   • Startup to Watch: Jazari Dynamics
10. Nanotechnology
    • Use Cases:
      • Nanofiltration
      • Contaminant Removal
      • Sensor Development
    • Startup to Watch: Worldwide Water Group

Wastewater Management Industry FAQs

What is the emerging wastewater treatment technology?

New technologies make wastewater management efficient, sustainable, and adaptable to modern challenges.

• Advanced membrane filtration techniques enhance water purification by removing a wider range of contaminants including microorganisms, particulates, and heavy metals.
• Nanotechnology removes pollutants at a molecular level to improve the overall effectiveness of water treatment processes.
• Robotics and AI-driven systems automate monitoring, maintenance, and repair tasks to reduce human intervention and increase operational precision.
• Other advancements include decentralized water treatment systems for localized water resource management and the development of energy-efficient solutions that reduce the environmental impact of wastewater treatment. 

What are the future trends in wastewater treatment technology?

Emerging trends in wastewater treatment leverage technologies that improve sustainability and adaptability.

• Electrochemical treatment methods remove contaminants by using electrical currents and reduce chemical usage and sludge production.
• Forward osmosis works as a low-energy alternative for water purification, particularly in regions facing water scarcity.
• Another area of development includes microbial fuel cells, which treat wastewater while simultaneously generating electricity.
• Additionally, AOPs break down complex organic pollutants to make them biodegradable.
• The integration of real-time water quality monitoring using smart sensors and data analytics provides proactive management and regulatory compliance.

How We Identify Emerging Technologies & Startups

The data in this report originates from StartUs Insights’ Discovery Platform, covering 4.7 million global startups, scaleups, and technology companies, alongside 20,000 emerging technology trends. Our platform makes startup and technology scouting, trend intelligence, and patent searches more efficient by providing deep insights into the technological ecosystem. Utilizing the trend intelligence feature, we analyze industry-specific technologies for this report, detect patterns and trends, and identify use cases along with the startups advancing these areas. Further details and capabilities are accessible via the website.

10 Emerging Technologies Impacting the Future of Wastewater Management [2025 & Beyond]

1. Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing creates components that withstand the environmental conditions in wastewater treatment systems. Using layer-by-layer construction, additive manufacturing produces parts with customized geometries for enhanced flow control and durability. Technologies such as stereolithography (SLA) and powder bed fusion use materials like corrosion-resistant metals and high-performance polymers for building components like pumps, filters, and structural supports. Moreover, these techniques reduce material waste and energy consumption by responding to emerging needs and system upgrades.

3 Practical Use Cases of 3D Printing in Wastewater Management

• Custom Pipe Fittings: 3D printing fabricates custom pipe fittings tailored to specific dimensions and configurations. It reduces lead times, minimizes the need for extensive inventories, and ensures the systems adapt quickly to site-specific requirements.
• Prototype Development: Additive manufacturing develops prototypes for new treatment technologies or system components to enable testing and refinement of designs. This iterative process reduces the time and cost of innovation and optimizes designs before full-scale production.
• On-site Maintenance: On-site maintenance produces replacement parts and tools directly at the location to reduce downtime and the dependency on external suppliers. It enhances the resilience and responsiveness of wastewater management operations for continuous service even in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

Startup to Watch: Pipeline Organics

UK-based startup Pipeline Organics develops TankArc technology, a biofuel cell technology that generates clean, renewable electricity from industrial wastewater. This 3D-based biomass electric power generation system utilizes specialized coatings and computational electrode designs to use organic waste stream energy, such as simple sugars. The electrodes maximize surface area and extract more energy without disrupting wastewater flow. The technology allows for customized enzymatic coatings for long-lasting, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy solutions.

2. Artificial Intelligence

AI enhances the efficiency, precision, and sustainability of treatment processes. Its technologies, including ML algorithms, analyze large datasets in real-time for advanced predictive modeling and automated decision-making. This optimizes chemical dosing, energy consumption, and process control for facilities to operate at peak performance. When integrated with the IoT, AI-driven systems continuously monitor water quality, equipment performance, and operational parameters to enable smart, data-driven management strategies. Moreover, sensor data anticipates equipment failures to minimize downtime and improve the reliability of wastewater treatment plants.

3 Practical Use Cases of AI in Wastewater Management

• Predictive Maintenance: AI algorithms analyze real-time data from sensors embedded in wastewater treatment equipment. It predicts potential failures before they occur and enables timely maintenance interventions. Also, it reduces unexpected downtime, extends the lifespan of critical assets, and lowers maintenance costs.
• Water Quality Monitoring: AI systems detect contaminants and anomalies in real time by processing large volumes of data from water quality sensors. This enhances the accuracy of monitoring, ensures compliance with environmental regulations, and protects public health by maintaining high water quality standards.
• Demand Forecasting: AI-driven analytics predict future water usage and wastewater production based on historical data, weather patterns, and consumption trends. It optimizes resource allocation, prevents overloading of treatment facilities, and improves the overall efficiency and sustainability of wastewater management systems.

Startup to Watch: Pallon

Swiss startup Pallon utilizes AI to provide sewer and manhole inspection analysis. The company’s deep neural networks and 3D vision algorithms detect, localize, and measure pipe defects. It creates detailed 3D reconstruction of pipes, using computer vision to track key points and optimize image quality to locate different defect categories. Thus, the analysis assists network operators and inspection companies in managing sewers with consistent assessments, data management, and faster inspections for timely and cost-effective infrastructure decisions.

3. Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR)

Immersive technologies like AR and VR enhance efficiency and data visualization. AR overlays real-time digital information onto the physical environment using tools like smart glasses or mobile apps. This allows technicians to access operational data such as flow rates or water pressure directly in the field. On the other hand, VR creates immersive simulations that aid in training and allow operators to navigate virtual wastewater plants and identify potential safety concerns before construction begins. Moreover, technologies like volumetric displays and geographic information systems (GIS) provide interactive 3D models of underground infrastructure. Also, AR integrates with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems to offer real-time monitoring and control over wastewater operations to enhance efficiency and safety.

3 Practical Use Cases of AR & VR in Wastewater Management

• Operator Training: AR and VR create immersive, simulated environments to practice handling complex scenarios and emergency situations. It enhances skill development, improves response times, and reduces errors during actual operations.
• System Design and Visualization: VR visualizes and interacts with 3D models of wastewater treatment systems for thorough exploration and analysis before construction or upgrades. The analysis improves decisions, reduces costly rework, and optimizes systems for efficiency and ease of maintenance.
• Remote Assistance: Remote experts guide on-site technicians through maintenance and repair tasks by overlaying digital instructions and visual cues onto the physical environment. This real-time support minimizes errors, improves problem resolution, and reduces expert travel.

Startup to Watch: digital-water.city

German startup digital-water.city builds a mobile application that uses AR and VR to visualize groundwater in urban environments. This app shows detailed, real-time visualizations of groundwater levels and flow patterns directly on mobile devices to understand the underlying water systems. It combines AR with real-time data from sensors and predictive analytics to provide an immersive experience for decision-making in water management.

4. Big Data & Analytics

IoT devices and advanced analytics platforms leverage data to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. Technologies like cloud storage systems data lakes, and distributed data mesh architectures handle the volume and complexity of wastewater data. Further, big data and analytics enable operators to process historical and real-time data to identify hidden patterns for effective decision-making and predictive insights. ML and AI models predict system failures, optimize energy consumption, and improve overall plant performance. These technologies, combined with real-time monitoring systems, offer proactive management of wastewater treatment processes, reduce costs, improve resource allocation, and enhance environmental outcomes.

3 Practical Use Cases of Big Data & Analytics in Wastewater Management

• Water Usage Analytics: Collection and processing of water consumption data from various sources allows for detailed analysis of usage patterns across different regions and time periods. Such analysis provides accurate demand forecasting, improves water conservation strategies, and optimizes resource allocation.
• System Performance Monitoring: Continuous analysis of data from sensors and equipment provides real-time system performance insights to identify inefficiencies and potential failures. Such monitoring enhances operational efficiency, reduces downtime, and lowers maintenance costs.
• Environmental Impact Analysis: Big data & analytics integrate ecological data, such as pollutant levels and ecosystem health indicators, to assess the impact of wastewater management practices on the surrounding environment. This analysis supports compliance with regulatory standards, informs decision-making on environmental protection measures, and helps wastewater facilities minimize their ecological footprint.

Startup to Watch: ManholeMetrics

UK-based startup ManholeMetrics offers wastewater-level sensors that leverage data analytics for proactive flood management. The sensors continuously monitor wastewater levels to provide real-time and predictive alerts. They allow for early intervention, prevent flooding, and minimize associated risks. By integrating these sensors with calibrated models, the company offers optimized, data-driven decision-making for infrastructure operators. They reduce operational costs and mitigate environmental damage, regulatory fines, and asset deterioration.

5. Cloud Computing

Cloud computing provides a scalable platform for data storage, processing, and real-time analysis. Technologies like SCADA, combined with cloud-based solutions, enable continuous monitoring and management of water treatment operations. Advanced communication protocols, such as message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT), allow data transfer from edge controllers to cloud-hosted systems to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime. Cloud platforms also integrate ML algorithms to optimize treatment processes, while offering enhanced security and fault tolerance.

3 Practical Use Cases of Cloud Computing in Wastewater Management

• Real-time Monitoring and Analysis: Cloud-based platforms continuously monitor wastewater parameters such as pH levels, temperature, turbidity, and chemical concentrations. The sensors deployed across treatment plants gather data and transmit it to the cloud for analysis in real time. This allows operators to respond quickly to potential issues and optimize treatment processes.
• Remote Management and Control: Operators manage and control wastewater treatment processes remotely via cloud-based systems. This assists in managing multiple sites or decentralized treatment systems. Remote access assists controllers in adjusting processes, managing alarms, and making decisions without on-site presence.
• Simulation and Modeling: Cloud computing uses advanced simulation and modeling tools to test different treatment scenarios. They predict the impact of operational changes, weather events, or pollutant loads for preparing and responding effectively.

Startup to Watch: Aquaphra

Canadian startup Aquaphra builds Aqualedger, a wastewater monitoring platform that leverages cloud computing to provide real-time analysis and control. The platform continuously monitors wastewater quality to automate the sampling to the reporting process and ensures data integrity by being resilient against manipulation. Aqualedger provides insights into wastewater management processes to enable data-driven optimization. Aquaphra’s solution streamlines operations and reduces energy consumption, operational costs, and environmental impact.

6. CleanTech

Cleantech integrates environmentally friendly technologies to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Technologies such as bioenergy include organic matter that generates renewable energy from wastewater and advanced filtration systems purify water by minimizing energy consumption and waste. While carbon capture and storage (CCS) reduces carbon emissions during treatment processes, electrochemical treatment methods and algae-based systems recover valuable nutrients and reduce harmful pollutants. These advancements enhance the sustainability of wastewater management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.​

3 Practical Use Cases of CleanTech in Wastewater Management

• Energy-Efficient Treatment: Cleantech enhances energy-efficient wastewater treatment by integrating advanced technologies like membrane filtration and anaerobic digestion. This reduces energy consumption during the treatment process. Further, this reduction in energy usage lowers operational costs and decreases the carbon footprint of wastewater facilities.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or biogas generation, wastewater treatment plants produce their energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and energy costs.
• Water Recycling: Implementation of purification technologies treats and repurposes wastewater for industrial, agricultural, or potable uses. This reduces the demand for freshwater resources, lowers water procurement costs, and meets water conservation regulations.

Startup to Watch: Algaesys

Australian startup Algaesys builds a bioremediation wastewater treatment system that utilizes cleantech to achieve energy-neutral water purification. It uses naturally occurring phototrophic biomass and colonizes rotating logs to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbonaceous pollutants while absorbing microplastics and heavy metals. This system also destroys persistent organic pollutants, such as hormones and pharmaceuticals, and disinfects wastewater without requiring additional treatments. By producing reactive oxygen species, the biomass oxidizes pathogens and persistent organics to provide resilience against toxic shock events compared to conventional bacterial systems.

7. Connectivity Technologies

Connectivity technology enables communication and data exchange between sensors, devices, and control systems. Technologies such as cellular long-term evolution (LTE), and satellite-based networks connect remote assets and monitor critical wastewater parameters in real-time. Also, they optimize operations, minimize downtime, and improve overall efficiency. Advanced communication protocols like Ethernet/IP further enhance data transmission to analyze and manage wastewater systems remotely.

3 Practical Use Cases of Connectivity Technologies in Wastewater Management

• Remote Monitoring: Continuous remote monitoring of wastewater systems that link sensors and devices across the treatment process provides real-time data on system performance and environmental conditions. It provides real-time visibility to enhance operational efficiency, reduce on-site personnel, and allow for immediate response to potential issues.
• Smart Grid Management: Integration of wastewater facilities with smart grid technology allows for dynamic energy management and optimization to match energy use with the availability of renewable energy sources. It reduces energy costs, minimizes the environmental impact of wastewater operations, and supports sustainable energy practices.
• IoT Implementation: Connectivity technologies deploy IoT devices throughout wastewater treatment facilities for communication between sensors, machinery, and control systems. The interconnectedness improves data collection and analysis with process control, predictive maintenance, and enhanced decision-making.

Startup to Watch: Heed

New Zealander startup Heed provides a water infrastructure monitoring solution based on Cat M1/narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) networks and batteries to provide early warnings for potential overflow events. The solution consists of an in-ground beacon and a head unit that work together to detect liquid levels within inspection shafts. The beacon, suspended by a stainless steel cable, triggers alerts when fully submerged, while the head unit sends real-time notifications to a cloud-based system for timely intervention. The solution maximizes cost-efficiency and workflow optimization through the Heed-API, which integrates data into different platforms.

8. Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT technologies such as wireless sensor networks (WSNs) and low-power wide-area networks (LPWAN) provide real-time monitoring and data collection across wastewater treatment facilities. These systems use data from connected sensors to optimize the entire wastewater treatment process, from tracking water quality parameters to managing fluid dynamics and operational efficiency. IoT platforms also leverage cloud computing and advanced analytics for predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and environmental compliance. With 5G connectivity and edge computing, the processing of large volumes of data at the source enhances the responsiveness and efficiency of IoT applications in the wastewater industry.

3 Practical Use Cases of IoT in Wastewater Management

• Smart Metering: IoT technology connects water meters to a centralized network for real-time tracking of water usage and leakage detection. It improves billing accuracy, identifies inefficiencies in water distribution, and supports water conservation efforts by providing insights into consumption patterns.
• Infrastructure Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of pipeline and treatment facilities collects and transmits data on pressure, flow rates, and structural integrity. Such constant surveillance detects potential failures early, reduces the risk of costly breakdowns, and ensures the longevity of wastewater management assets.
• Process Automation: By integrating IoT sensors and controls within wastewater treatment processes, IoT enables automated adjustments to flow rates, chemical dosing, and other critical parameters based on real-time data. It increases operational efficiency, reduces manual intervention, and ensures consistent water quality to lower operational costs while enhancing system reliability.

Startup to Watch: DigitalPaani

Indian startup DigitalPaani builds an IoT-enabled platform for effluent treatment plants (ETP) and sewage treatment plants (STP), while also checking live water to achieve water neutrality. The platform integrates operational data from sensors, electrical panels, and microsurveys to generate optimal parameters for plant operations. It provides real-time notifications, dashboards, and reports tailored to different levels within the organizational hierarchy. This controls and optimizes plant management, from equipment automation to manpower workflows and chemical dosing. Some of its features include automation of critical equipment, workflow management for onsite teams, and proactive maintenance tracking to maximize water treatment efficiency, reduce costs, and develop net-zero buildings and factories.

9. Advanced Robotics

Autonomous robots with high-resolution sensors, AI, and ML algorithms assess the condition of infrastructure such as pipelines and treatment facilities. These technologies collect and analyze data in real time to optimize operational efficiency and reduce manual labor in hazardous environments. Further, technologies like multi-joint robotic arms, drones, and eel-inspired robots equipped with biological and chemical sensors improve detection capabilities for pollutants and structural damage. Additionally, robotics systems when enhanced with algorithms predict failures in water infrastructure for proactive maintenance and reduced costly disruptions.

3 Practical Use Cases of Advanced Robotics in Wastewater Management

• Inspection and Maintenance: Robotics streamline inspection and maintenance tasks by deploying autonomous robots equipped with cameras and sensors. These robots navigate and assess hard-to-reach areas of wastewater infrastructure while reducing the need for human entry into hazardous environments. This lowers the risk of accidents and ensures timely identification of issues to extend the lifespan of assets and minimize downtime.
• Water Quality Monitoring: By utilizing robotic systems to continuously sample and analyze water within treatment plants, wastewater management operations maintain real-time monitoring of key water quality parameters. Such analysis enhances the accuracy of data collection, enables rapid response to contamination events, and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
• Cleaning and Treatment: Robotics enhance cleaning and treatment processes by automating the removal of sludge, debris, and other contaminants from wastewater systems. It improves the efficiency of treatment processes and reduces labor costs to maintain optimal operational standards.

Startup to Watch: Jazari Dynamics

Turkish startup Jazari Dynamics develops Smart Panorama, a robotic system that manages wastewater through panoramic imaging technology. This system scans the interior of wastewater pipes using optical cameras and sensors to capture high-resolution images that detail the structural condition and flow dynamics. Smart Panorama offers features such as preventing rollovers with autonomous axis positioning, uninterrupted operation over long distances, and multi-directional movement capabilities. Also, it generates reports to detect structural defects and optimize maintenance interventions.

10. Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology uses advanced materials at the nanoscale with technologies such as nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and nanosorbents to remove contaminants. Metal and carbon-based nanomaterials, as well as hybrid composites, assist in filtration, adsorption, and catalysis processes. These materials exhibit high surface area and reactivity to target pollutants with greater precision and efficiency. This way, nanotechnology enhances purification processes and improves sustainability.

3 Practical Use Cases of Nanofiltration in Wastewater Management

• Nanofiltration: Membranes with nanoscale pores selectively filter out contaminants, such as heavy metals and organic compounds, from wastewater. They improve water purification efficiency, reduce the need for chemical treatments, and produce higher-quality treated water.
• Contaminant Removal: Engineered nanoparticles designed for specific contaminant binding and removal processes eliminate toxins, pathogens, and other pollutants from wastewater. They enhance the effectiveness of treatment processes to ensure cleaner effluent, reduce environmental impact, and meet regulatory standards.
• Sensor Development: Nanotechnology develops sensitive sensors to detect traces of contaminants and monitor various parameters in real time. These nanosensors continuously monitor for timely interventions and better control over water quality for improving overall system performance and reliability.

Startup to Watch: Worldwide Water Group

US-based startup Worldwide Water Group creates SOLARBAG, a reusable water purifier bag that uses a photochemical process to provide safe drinking water. It involves a nanotechnology-coated mesh activated by sunlight or LED light that purifies water through five simultaneous reactions – photo disinfection, photolysis, photoadsorption, photocatalytic oxidation, and photocatalytic reduction. These processes break down complex chemical compounds, sterilize pathogens, and absorb heavy metals, without chemical additives. Also, they enhance water purification, sustainability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness to access clean water.

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