CECAEN Rev 3
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Division 36

Water collection, treatment and supply

This macroeconomic category includes all activities related to the collection of water from nature, its treatment to make it drinkable or usable for industrial purposes, and its distribution to consumers. Practically, it covers the entire chain from source to tap, including infrastructure maintenance and desalination.

Included Activities & Applicability

  • ✅ Collection of water from rivers
  • ✅ lakes
  • ✅ springs and underground sources Physical
  • ✅ chemical and biological treatment of raw water Distribution of drinking water through public networks
  • ✅ pipes or tankers Maintenance and operation of water supply systems Desalination of seawater for the production of drinking water Supply of industrial water
  • ✅ including for cooling or processing

Excluded Activities & Restrictions

  • ❌ Wastewater treatment (code 37)
  • ❌ Construction of water networks (code 42)
  • ❌ Manufacture of water treatment equipment (code 28)
  • ❌ Distribution of bottled water (code 11.07)
  • ❌ Agricultural irrigation activities (code 01.61)

Subordinate Structure

360 Water collection, treatment and supply
→
3600 Water collection, treatment and distribution
→

Detailed Analysis & Commercial Insights

Division 36 of the National Classification of Economic Activities (CAEN) covers a sector of strategic importance for Romania: water collection, treatment and supply. Water is a vital resource not only for human consumption but also for industry, agriculture and energy production. In the context of climate change and increasingly frequent droughts, efficient management of water resources has become a national and European priority. In Romania, old water infrastructure and high network loss rates (some estimates indicate over 30%) represent a major challenge. Entrepreneurs operating in this field face massive investments in modernization, compliance with drinking water quality standards imposed by the European Union and the need to implement efficient treatment technologies. From a macroeconomic perspective, the sector contributes to public health, to attracting European funds through the Large Infrastructure Operational Programme and to improving the quality of life in rural areas. In addition, the transition to a circular economy encourages the reuse of treated water and resource recovery, which opens up new business opportunities. Challenges include the need to digitize networks for real-time monitoring and to educate the public on responsible consumption. Nevertheless, the demand for safe and quality water makes this division a stable field with long-term growth potential.