Budget 2026: investing in forward-looking water management

Budget 2026 adopted

On Nov. 19, the General Board approved the budget of €368 million. The net investment amount is €23.9 million higher than in the 2025 budget, reaching €65.1 million. The difference is mainly due to a number of investments entering the realization phase in 2026. The increase in tax revenue excluding the road tax averages 8.6% in accordance with the multi-year perspective. For single tenants this means an increase of €1.30 per month, for multi-person households with more expensive housing it is about €3.70 per month.  

Uncertainties 

Volatile energy markets, material and capacity scarcity, threats of cybercrime and policy changes require constant attention and balancing of resources, personnel and societal challenges. In 2026, the emphasis is on setting clear priorities and using available resources more efficiently. Consider risk-based and predictive maintenance of dikes, pumping stations and treatment plants. This helps in making well-considered choices and creates room for innovation. At the same time, investments are being made to strengthen the crisis approach so that threats such as flooding, drought and cyber attacks are identified early and dealt with preventively. 

Future-proof 

HHNK is investing in an agile and future-proof organization that is more responsive to changing circumstances. The sewage treatment plants are on the eve of a major transformation. To meet future water quality and wastewater treatment requirements, such as the removal of micro-pollutants and more intensive treatment of wastewater, renovation and maintenance alone are no longer sufficient and a system leap is necessary. Under the banner of The Great Rebuilding of the Water Chain, our sewage treatment plants are changing from waste treatment plants to energy and raw material plants. This is causing major capital expenditures. 

Water Framework Directive

By 2027, the Netherlands must comply with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). A European directive to improve the quality of ground and surface water. In 2026 HHNK will continue to work on the implementation of the WFD package of measures and the WFD impulse program 2024-2027. Monitoring will also be set up so that testing, assessment and reporting to the European Union can effectively take place in 2027. In preparation, studies will be conducted and a set of instruments developed for data analysis and early detection of standard violations. We are also working with the national and provincial governments to implement the principle of Water and Soil Stewardship. In this way, the natural characteristics of water and soil remain the guiding principle in spatial plans. 

Climate neutral 

HHNK will continue to work in 2026 to achieve the established climate goals from K35 (Climate Neutral 2035), in the areas of emission neutrality, energy neutrality and a circular economy. As a contribution to these goals, a pilot with emission-free dredging will be carried out, aimed at reducing CO₂ and nitrogen emissions and promoting sustainable maintenance of waterways. In addition, two solar parks are being tendered in Den Helder, the green gas plant is being put on the market for Zaandam-Oost, and material flow analyses are being carried out for various projects.  

Final step in road management transfer

We are moving forward with the transfer of road management to municipalities. The focus is on proper transfer of information, providing support and ensuring a smooth transition. The road charge will stop once all roads in the management area are transferred to the municipalities. 

You can find the 2026 budget on the Budget and Annual Reports page.