Water Filter Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029

INDUSTRY OUTLOOK

The global water filter market size was valued at USD 10.05 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 14.97 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.86% during the forecast period. The global market for water filters has been influenced by a rise in waterborne diseases, climate change, dwindling groundwater sources, poor water management and sewage systems, and campaigns from environmental agencies and drinking water governing bodies. Additionally, increasing awareness about waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid has led to greater consumption of safe drinking water. According to UNICEF statistics, 829,000 people die each year from diseases directly linked to unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and poor hygiene practices. The growing recognition of the potential health risks associated with untreated water has significantly contributed to the worldwide expansion of the water filter market.

Water filters are designed to remove impurities from the water, including sediments, taste, odor, bacteria, herbicides, and pesticides, to improve the quality of residential applications like drinking, cooking, bathing, and other appliances. The filtration methods usually have one or more limitations in what they remove, so vendors in the water filters market offer systems with multi-stage and combined filtration techniques for effective results. Mechanical, absorption, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis (RO) are common filtration methods available in the market. For instance, a simple pitcher will use ion exchange, mechanical, and absorption technology, whereas whole-house water systems require high-end reverse osmosis membrane filters. Though people are unwilling to install expensive point-of-entry systems like whole-house water systems, affordable and eco-friendly pitchers and countertops have ventured into the water filters market.

Additionally, rapid industrialization and deteriorating water quality is an issue of concern. The growing water pollution caused by the discharge of animal and human excreta into rivers, industrial waste, and garbage into water bodies, among others, contaminates natural water resources. Thus, the rising awareness about the importance of water filters and the diseases caused by drinking contaminated water is responsible for the rise in the water filter market value. Water filters are available at cheap prices. This means end-users don’t have to spend much on their investment. This has also resulted in improving the demand for water filters globally. Also, technological advancement and new product development technology will work in favor of expanding the water filter market. For instance, Aquaporin, a Danish cleantech company, has developed a technology based on biomimetic water treatment membranes. The membrane's specialized construction allows water to pass through easily while blocking all other substances. Further, the cells can manipulate their volume and internal pressure under the hydrostatic and osmotic pressure differences.

MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Increasing Demand for Smart Water Filters
Advancements in filter materials, including self-cleaning mechanisms and high-capacity membranes, are improving performance and extending filter lifespans. Incorporating smart features, including automatic filter replacement systems, water quality monitoring capabilities, and integration with home automation systems, is gaining popularity. These smart technologies offer benefits such as remote monitoring and control, leak detection with automatic shut-off, and personalized filtration settings.

Rising Waste Treatment Systems
Water contamination remains a pressing global concern; however, technological innovation is propelling us forward, and we are addressing this issue with inventive solutions. Additionally, innovations in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as smart water management systems and green infrastructure, help address the challenges of changing environmental conditions. The water filter market is driven by an increasing need to reduce contamination and a rising demand for virus-free products. Rising freshwater scarcity, reducing groundwater levels, and various government initiatives about water quality improvements will drive industry growth.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY MEDIA TYPE
The global water filter market by media type is segmented into single & dual-stage, cartridges, and multimedia. The single & dual stage segment held the most prominent share of the market. The single-stage filtration delivers filtered water directly from the faucet. The major goal is to produce water that is fit for specific consumption. Also, single-stage filters are generally less expensive than other filters. Furthermore, dual-stage filters are particularly effective at removing particles from wastewater at high filtration rates, making them a crucial solution for treating contaminated water. As water often contains impurities that can harm human health, animal life, and the environment, it's essential to utilize effective treatment methods. The dual filter technology is widely used in water treatment plants due to its efficient design and two-stage filtration process.

INSIGHTS BY TECHNOLOGY TYPE
The global water filter market by technology type is segmented into RO, sediment, activated carbon, ion exchange, and other technologies. The RO segment accounted for the largest revenue share of the global water filter market. The adoption of RO technology is growing because of the rising awareness of heavy metals, microplastics, and harmful chemicals in tap water. Also, the RO water purifiers employ a multi-stage filtration process, including pre-filters and the RO membrane. This meticulous filtration ensures the removal of impurities, dissolved solids, and contaminants, delivering water of the highest purity.

INSIGHTS BY MOUNT TYPE
The whole-house mount type segment held the most significant share of the global water filter market in 2023. It is the most expensive and efficient water filter system for residences. Consumers also prefer whole-house water systems for their chlorine and odor-free water, softer skin and hair, bottled quality drinking water, scale-free pipes and fixtures, and protection of home appliances like refrigerators. However, the under-the-sink water purifier market is the fastest growing segment because, compared to whole-house systems, they are often more affordable while still providing high-quality drinking and cooking water filtration. 

INSIGHTS BY APPLICATION
The global water filter market by application is segmented into water dispensers, home water filtration, washing machines & refrigerators, water softening, and other applications. The water dispensers segment holds the largest global market share in 2023 and is projected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. A water dispenser is a machine that dispenses hot, cold, or temperature-controlled water with or without filtration. Commercial facilities are the largest end-users of water dispensers, and the momentum for expansion lies in the under-the-sink category. In the residential segment, there is a growing demand for countertop water dispensers due to poor tap water quality during the forecast period.

INSIGHTS BY END-USERS
The global water filter market by end-users is segmented into residential, commercial, educational institutes, municipal, and industrial. In 2023, the residential segment dominated the global water purifier market share because favorable socio-economic and demographic factors such as urbanization, growing population, disposable incomes, and rising standard of living fuel the demand for this segment. The expanding residential sector growth in countries such as China, India, and Singapore is driving the demand for water and wastewater treatment systems. Furthermore, the industrial segment is growing at a high CAGR rate of 7.40%. The expanding industries such as oil & gas, food & beverage, and government regulations mandating the treatment of industrial wastewater are driving the growth of the industrial segment in the water filter market.  

INSIGHTS BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL
Water filter systems are primarily distributed through retail channels such as specialty stores, hypermarkets, and select home improvement outlets. The distribution landscape is swiftly evolving, driven by increased competition, rapid digitization, ongoing disintermediation, and evolving consumer expectations. In 2023, the offline distribution channel held the most prominent share of the global water filters market. This segment is expected to grow due to the high demand for customers to experience and evaluate filters before purchasing. Department stores present ample opportunities for vendors in the water purifier market to showcase and sell their products, benefiting from the stores' extensive customer reach.

GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

The North American region is the largest contributor to the global water filter market, accounting for a global revenue share of over 47% in 2023. Heightened concerns about safe drinking water drive the region's growth. Across the U.S., millions are exposed to water that fails to meet EPA standards, fueling a surge in demand for water filtration systems. EPA made significant progress toward protecting public health by acting in communities facing serious health threats from their taps due to noncompliance in the water system. Furthermore, municipal wastewater treatment methods, usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in households, regulatory compliance of mining operations, and release of cadmium and mercury from heavy industries are expected to shape the adoption of water filtration systems in Canada during the forecast period.

The European water filters market holds a significant position in the global market. Germany and the UK were identified as the largest markets in the region, with significant growth potential in Italy, France, and Spain. Despite the EU's efforts, water quality varies widely from country to country. Microplastics have been detected in over 70% of studies on tap water across Europe. Chlorine remains the most widely used disinfectant among European nations' water supply companies, necessitating the use of water filters to eliminate odors for drinking and cooking purposes. Furthermore, APAC is the fastest-growing region in the global water filters market during the forecast period, mainly driven by rising demand for wastewater treatment and consumption of water by key industries such as food & beverage, chemicals, oil & gas, and pharmaceuticals. These industries are witnessing growth because of the rising per capita expenditure and expanding urbanization, supporting the demand for water filters in the APAC region.

VENDORS LANDSCAPE

The global water filter market is highly competitive, with the presence of many vendors. Advanced filtration technologies play a crucial role in meeting consumer expectations for ongoing product innovations and enhancements. Leading players such as Pentair, VEOLIA, The 3M Company, and Culligan dominate the global water filter market. The vendors are refining their unique value propositions to achieve a strong market presence by adopting advanced filtration technologies, as consumers are expecting continuous innovations and upgrades in their products. Therefore, as global players are increasing their footprint in the market, regional vendors will likely find it increasingly difficult to compete with global players.

Key Development in the Global Water Filter Market

• In 2023, A.O. Smith developed the Home Connect RO Filtration System with remote monitoring and control abilities.
• In 2023, GE Appliances combined Alexa voice control into their filtration systems for hands-free operation.
• In 2022, Pentair launched Pentair Rocean Reservoir, a unique and sustainable design-forward water filtration system for providing customers with clearer tap water.