Abstract The disposal of sludge generated by water treatment by chemical coagulation is considered an environmental problem that has attracted attention of researchers worldwide, whose objective is to promote strategies for their productive use. This study addresses results of studies conducted in the recent 7 years on the aluminous sludge use in the manufacture of ceramic products. The literature shows that the proportion of sludge and the firing temperature are two key factors that affect the final ceramic products technological properties: water absorption, mechanical resistance, porosity and bulk density. It is concluded that it is feasible to incorporate water treatment sludges in partial replacement of one of the constituent materials of clay bodies, with additions up to 10% sludge and firing temperatures above 1000 °C.