Nine water districts join forces in the Verdygo cooperative
Together with eight other water districts, we have established the Verdygo cooperative. This marks an important step forward in our collaboration. We are setting clear guidelines on how we will work together, make decisions, and divide responsibilities. This will enable us to work together on the water infrastructure of the future.
Working Together on Smart Solutions
In the coming years, the water districts will need to replace or upgrade many of their facilities—such as those that treat wastewater. At the same time, the standards for clean water are becoming increasingly stringent. We also want to operate more sustainably and must manage our people and our finances wisely.
That’s why we work together at Verdygo. We use a modular approach to construction. You can compare it to Lego: we build systems using individual components that we can combine in various ways. If something needs to be replaced or modified, we don’t have to overhaul the entire system—we can simply adjust the components that are necessary. What’s more, different water districts can use the same components. That way, no one has to keep reinventing the wheel.
Marjan Leijen, Executive Director of HHNK and portfolio holder for the Water Chain: “The water chain faces a major challenge due to technical developments, stricter regulations, and labor shortages at labour market. Working in a standardized way with Verdygo helps us better address these challenges. Shorter design and construction times and lower investment costs are achievable now that we, as water districts, are joining forces through the cooperative. We can take a stronger stance toward market players and maximize the exchange of knowledge. I’d say it’s a no-brainer.”
Why are we starting a cooperative?
Verdygo began as an initiative of the Limburg Water Board. Since then, an increasing number of water boards have joined forces. As a result, we are sharing more and more knowledge, funds, and responsibilities. This calls for clear agreements. That is why nine water boards have jointly established a cooperative—an organization in which we work together toward shared goals. We agree on who is responsible for what, which allows us to make decisions more quickly and manage funds and risks more effectively. The cooperative can also enter into agreements with companies on behalf of the participating water boards. This enables us to act as a single organization and better represent our shared interests.
Verdygo is already in use
One example is the wastewater treatment plant in Terwolde operated by the Vallei en Veluwe Water Board. This renovated facility began operations in December 2023. It was the first treatment plant operated by this water board to utilize Verdygo. During the renovation, significant attention was paid to sustainability and the reuse of materials. The modular construction method makes it easier to modify or replace components in the future.
Want to learn more? Visit www.verdygo.com.
