turnover in the water supply and wastewater disposal sector
Your company is already operating in Germany and you would now like to export worldwide?
Key Facts
Sustainable Water Technology Market
Europe’s Largest Exporter
Germany is Europe’s largest exporter of water technologies – with export volume of almost EUR 1.4 billion in water and wastewater technologies in 2025. The German market for water supply and wastewater disposal is also Europe’s largest, with EUR 23.6 billion turnover in 2025 according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Progressive Water Policy
German water protection policy sets the framework for development and innovation in the water sector. The Federal Water Act and corresponding legislation – including the Drinking Water Ordinance and the Waste Water Ordinance as well as a number of local federal state provisions – create the legal basis for a transboundary and sustainable water management market.
Climate Change Demand
In Germany, climate change is creating increased demand for better monitoring of water resources and aquatic systems as well as weather extremes. According to the UBA, more than 90 percent of all major German cities are actively developing concepts and strategies to deal with climate change.
Companies offering these technologies should approach the market now to provide solutions for the future resilient city. The German Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change sets out the optimal framework for projects and investments. Measures and sought-after technologies include optimized water resource monitoring, flood protection (e.g. “sponge city” concepts), rainwater, and drinking water management solutions. The use of digital technologies in water management is another important driver for protecting critical infrastructure, increasing efficiency and assessing the status of water bodies and their development.
Opportunities
Diversification of Water Sources
The climate crisis and extreme weather events endanger water quality and quantity, with heavy rain endangering both life and infrastructure. Droughts have an enormous impact on nature, civil populations and civic infrastructure.
To safeguard water security in a changing climate, Germany is actively investing in diversified, climate-resilient water solutions. The country is accelerating the deployment of advanced technologies such as industrial water reuse, rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling and, where appropriate, desalination. This is creating a strong and growing market for international companies offering innovative water technologies.
Digitalization
Modern sensors, complex modelling, AI, and digital twins offer application potential for optimized IT security, resource management, water flow, quality management and even the optimization of technical plants and processes for water treatment. However, legal questions, such as responsibilities and data protection, must be clarified where digital solutions are developed and applied.
