Water is a basic resource that is necessary for life, farming, business, and sanitation. As the world’s population grows and climate change makes water even harder to find, the need for better water management and infrastructure has grown. This change gives investors a unique chance to put money into companies that deal with water. Buying water stocks can not only make you money, but it can also help the environment by supporting sustainable practices that deal with important environmental problems.
We’ll look at some of the best water companies in different fields, such as utilities, technology, infrastructure, and treatment. We look at each company based on its position in the market, its chances for growth, and how it helps make water more sustainable.
1. American Water Works Company, Inc. (AWK)
- Sector: Water Utility
- Overview: As the largest publicly traded water utility in the U.S., American Water Works serves approximately 14 million people across 14 states. The company focuses on regulated water and wastewater services, ensuring stable revenue streams and consistent dividend payouts.
- Recent Performance: In August 2025, AWK’s stock rose 3.91% to close at $145.72, outperforming several competitors in the water utility sector.
2. Xylem Inc. (XYL)
- Sector: Water Technology
- Overview: Xylem is an expert in water technology, offering smart metering, water treatment, and infrastructure management, among other things. The company is a leader in digital water solutions and works in more than 150 countries.
- Recent Recognition: In 2025, Xylem was named the Water Technology Company of the Year for its innovative contributions to water sustainability.
3. Veolia Environnement S.A. (VEOEY)
- Sector: Environmental Services
- Overview: Veolia is a world leader in environmental services, with a focus on managing water, treating waste, and providing energy services. The company works in more than 60 countries and is a leader in finding long-term solutions for water problems.
- Strategic Initiatives: Veolia is expanding its circular economy initiatives, transforming waste into reusable resources with minimal environmental impact.
4. Essential Utilities, Inc. (WTRG)
- Sector: Water and Natural Gas Utilities
- Overview: Essential Utilities, which used to be called Aqua America, runs regulated water and natural gas utilities in the U.S. and pays out regular dividends, which is a steady source of income.
- Growth Strategy: The company focuses on infrastructure improvements to ensure long-term service reliability and has expanded its footprint across the U.S.
5. Pentair plc (PNR)
- Sector: Water Treatment Solutions
- Overview: Pentair sells water treatment solutions and equipment all over the world. They work with homes, businesses, and industries, and their main goals are efficiency and conservation of resources.
- Innovations: The company focuses on solutions that improve sustainability and reduce resource waste, meeting the specific needs of different customer groups.
6. Danaher Corporation (DHR)
- Sector: Water Quality and Environmental Solutions
- Overview: Danaher owns companies that make the tools needed for testing, treating, and analyzing water to keep it safe. These products are necessary for making sure that water is safe and that rules are followed in the municipal, industrial, and environmental markets.
- Technological Advancements: Danaher’s products help keep an eye on pollutants, make water purification processes better, and give clients real-time data.
7. Mueller Water Products, Inc. (MWA)
- Sector: Water Infrastructure
- Overview: Mueller Water Products makes valves and hydrants for water infrastructure. These are important for keeping water distribution systems up-to-date and in good shape.
- Market Position: The company is a top supplier of valves and hydrants for city water systems. It uses smart technology to keep an eye on things in real time and make the system work better.
8. Ecolab Inc. (ECL)
- Sector: Water Treatment and Purification
- Overview: Industrial clients around the world need Ecolab’s water treatment and purification technologies to cut down on water waste and make their operations more efficient.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The company combines cutting-edge chemical treatments, digital monitoring, and service-based knowledge to help clients cut their water use and operating costs by a lot.
9. Calgon Carbon Corporation (CCC)
- Sector: Water Purification
- Overview: Calgon Carbon, which is now part of Kuraray Co., makes activated carbon and filtration products for cleaning water. It sells these products to both municipal and industrial water treatment markets.
- Product Offerings: The company sells a wide range of products, including granular and powdered activated carbon, specialty filtration media made to remove specific contaminants, and custom-made filtration systems for big jobs.
10. A. O. Smith Corporation (AOS)
- Sector: Water Heating and Purification
- Overview: A. O. Smith is known for making water heaters, but the company also invests in water purification technologies. This gives the company room to grow as the demand for clean water rises.
- Strategic Expansion: The company is quickly moving into water purification technologies, which is a very important global need for access to clean and safe water.
Top Water Stocks Summary
Company | Sector | Global Reach | 2025 Revenue (Estimated) | Strengths |
---|---|---|---|---|
American Water Works (AWK) | Water Utility | U.S. | $8.6 billion | Largest U.S. water utility, stable dividends |
Xylem Inc. (XYL) | Water Technology | Global | $7.4 billion | Smart water solutions, digital innovation |
Veolia Environnement (VEOEY) | Environmental Services | Global | $35 billion | Sustainable water management, circular economy |
Essential Utilities (WTRG) | Water & Natural Gas Utility | U.S. | $2.5 billion | Regulated operations, consistent dividends |
Pentair plc (PNR) | Water Treatment Solutions | Global | $3.2 billion | Efficiency, resource conservation |
Danaher Corporation (DHR) | Water Quality Solutions | Global | $30 billion | Advanced water testing and analysis |
Mueller Water Products (MWA) | Water Infrastructure | U.S. | $1.5 billion | Infrastructure solutions, smart technology |
Ecolab Inc. (ECL) | Water Treatment & Purification | Global | $15 billion | Industrial water solutions, sustainability |
Calgon Carbon (CCC) | Water Purification | Global | $1.2 billion | Filtration products, custom solutions |
A. O. Smith (AOS) | Water Heating & Purification | Global | $4.8 billion | Energy-efficient solutions, global presence |
Conclusion
Buying water stocks is a unique way to help the environment and make money at the same time. The companies listed in this guide are leaders in different parts of the water industry, such as utilities, technology, infrastructure, and treatment. Each company has shown that they care about innovation and the environment, which puts them in a good position for future growth in a world that is becoming more aware of water issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I invest in water stocks?
When you buy water stocks, you help pay for important services that are necessary for life and economic growth. The water sector is ready to grow because of rising demand, old infrastructure, and the need for long-lasting solutions.
Are water stocks a safe investment?
Because there is always demand for water stocks and they make money, they are often thought to be stable investments. But like all investments, they come with risks, so you should think about your own financial goals and risk tolerance before making a decision.
How can I invest in water stocks?
You can buy water stocks through brokerage accounts, mutual funds, or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that focus on the water industry. Before making any investment decisions, you should do a lot of research or talk to a financial advisor.
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