Healthy water

One of the tasks of the water board is to manage water quality in ditches, canals, and lakes: surface water. In doing so, we strive for healthy water. By this we mean clean water with the right balance of nutrients, where plants and animals can live, which can be used for agriculture and fishing, and which people can enjoy.

Water Framework Directive (WFD)

Healthy water is scarce. That is why it has been agreed at European level that the quality of groundwater and the water in ditches, ponds, and canals must be improved. These agreements are included in the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

Cooperation is important

Water authorities are working hard to achieve the WFD targets, but they cannot do this alone. Industry, agriculture, government departments, and residents also have a role to play. Many measures depend on initiatives or significant contributions from third parties. Examples include the role of municipalities in the wastewater chain, government departments in legislation and regulation, and the role of the agricultural sector, industry, and residents.

What does the water board do?

HHNK works in various ways to improve water quality, such as:

Emissions

Certain nutrients and chemicals are harmful to water quality. We are therefore committed to reducing emissions of these substances from industry, agriculture, households, sewage treatment plants, and other sources. One example is theNorth Holland Agricultural Portal, in which we collaborate with the province, other water boards, the LTO, and agricultural collectives. We are also investigating whether substances are released during dredging that affect the chemical water quality.

Design and management

We construct nature-friendly banks and maintain watercourses at the correct depth. We also leave more vegetation along the banks if there is sufficient space. To ensure that fish can swim from one area to another, we construct fish passages at pumping stations, locks, and weirs. New pumping stations are equipped with fish-safe pumps.

Monitoring and research

We regularly measure water quality at various locations throughout our management area. This gives us an overview of the types of plants, animals, and fish that occur in our waters. If there is an excessive amount of a harmful substance in the water, we look for the source and take enforcement action. We also take measurements at official swimming locations and take action with partners to maintain the quality of the swimming water.

Rules, permits, supervision enforcement

We protect water quality in new initiatives through the Water Board Regulations. We investigate whether additional rules are possible and necessary to reduce emissions. We tackle undesirable wastewater discharges from, for example, houseboats and group accommodations, together with municipalities and environmental services. We also ensure that discharge permits are and remain up to date, taking into account WFD problem substances. Through supervision enforcement, we ensure continued water awareness and tackle violations.

You can view our plans for the period 2022-2027 in the online Water Framework Directive Magazine via the button below. You will also find more information on each topic at the bottom of this page.

WFD magazine

Links

  • Dinoterb

    Measurements show that dinoterb, a substance banned since 1998, has been found at various measuring points in our management area.

  • Fishing

    The presence or absence of certain fish species can say something about the ecosystem.

  • Management and organization

    The management and design of the water and the banks have a significant impact on water quality.

  • Monitoring and research

    We continuously conduct research into water quality. This knowledge helps us to take the right measures.

  • Blue-green algae

    Blue-green algae are bacteria with a blue-green color. They cause foul odors, fish mortality, and swimming bans.

  • Swimming water

    The 31 swimming locations in our waters are sampled monthly for swimming parameters.

  • Flowering farm ditch

    Through the Bloeiende boerensloot (Flourishing Farm Ditches) project, we collect and share knowledge about the ecological quality of ditches.

  • Antifouling

    For healthy surface water and your own health, it is better to use as little antifouling as possible.

  • Crayfish

    The American crayfish is an invasive exotic species and does not belong in our waters. If you see any, please report them to us.

  • Enforcement

    We supervision discharges supervision surface water. Enforcement measures are taken if there is intent or if businesses are negligent.

  • Substances in the water

    Chemicals that end up in surface water can have a negative effect on water quality.

  • Invasive alien species

    Exotic species are plants or animals that do not occur naturally in our country, but have been introduced into the natural environment through human activity.

  • PFAS in water and soil

    PFAS is a collective term for thousands of different chemicals. They are toxic and do not break down easily.

  • Prohibition on the discharge of wastewater

    From January 1, 2026, companies and group accommodations will be prohibited from discharging waste into small ditches and waterways.

Or are you looking for: