An extra boost for water quality from 2025 onwards

We have noticed that, in the period up to and including 2024, an extra boost is needed to achieve the water quality targets in 2027. The boost is mainly aimed at reducing chemicals that are harmful to water quality.

We will use an emission control plan to manage this. The approach differs per substance and depends on several factors. First, we identify the most important sources of substances. Some substances occur naturally in the soil and water. In addition, there may be human use. Secondly, it is important to know how substances enter the water and whether there are possibilities to purify substances from the water. This determines where and how we can intervene and which parties we need to involve. If other authorities are responsible for the necessary measures, we will address them. Sometimes more research is needed first to gain a better understanding of these issues. Finally, an important principle in our approach is: what doesn't get in, we don't have to take out! In other words: prevention is better than cure.

The measures in the WFD Impulse Program focus on several areas of concern: research, monitoring, sewerage/treatment, regulations and licensing, supervision enforcement, waterbed management, leasing, communication, and groundwater. Each theme is briefly explained below.

Research

We would like to know more about the sources of problematic substances and how they end up in the water. In addition to relying on existing knowledge, we are conducting various studies to determine the situation in our area. For example, we are looking into whether problematic substances are discharged into our surface water via sewage treatment plants (STPs). We also want to know how these substances end up in wastewater, for example via households or businesses. Rainwater runoff can also become polluted before it enters the ditch. We will investigate whether this is a significant route. All substances present in the water together cause a certain degree of toxic pressure, i.e., a certain degree of damage to plants and/or animals in the water. We map the toxic pressure using a new calculation method. This allows us to determine which substances are most harmful to water quality.

Monitoring

We will measure problematic substances at more different locations. This will give us a better picture of the locations where these substances are measured above the standard. In addition, we are developing new/better analysis techniques to be able to measure more substances.

Sewerage/treatment

We are investigating whether current sewage treatment plants can remove more nutrients from the water. This will likely require more energy and personnel capacity, so it is necessary to assess the feasibility and consequences for each location in addition to the possibilities. Current wastewater treatment plants are not able to effectively remove micropollutants from the water. That is why we are focusing on collaboration with municipalities, environmental services, and the province to tackle the discharge of these substances into the sewer system.

Regulations and permits, supervision enforcement

Most laws and regulations governing the authorization and use of substances are determined at the European or national level. As a water authority, we are responsible for direct discharges into surface water. Sometimes existing national regulations do not offer sufficient protection. We are exploring the possibilities of introducing stricter regional regulations in collaboration with the province and municipalities in order to further reduce the use of pollutants. It is then up to our board to decide whether to implement this. We also ensure that permits are up to date, actively supervision charges, and enforce regulations where necessary. In doing so, we work together with the environmental services, the environmental police, and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority. In our own plans and decisions, we look for opportunities to improve water quality and ensure that water quality does not deteriorate. To this end, we develop assessment frameworks, train employees, and set up a knowledge center for complex discharge situations.

Water systems management

In the waterbed research, which is carried out prior to dredging work, we will now take WFD problem substances into account. We investigate whether substances are released during dredging or other excavation work that deteriorate the chemical water quality. We also look at the waterbed and dredging in relation to ecology. On the one hand, this involves reducing ecological damage caused by the way we dredge. On the other hand, dredging is a source of nutrients and organic matter. When the dredged material is disturbed by fish, boats, or wind, these substances are released, which is detrimental to water quality. Furthermore, it is more difficult for aquatic plants to take root in a thick layer of dredged material. We are investigating where (additional) dredging can contribute to better water quality.

Land matters

Some of our properties are managed by others under lease agreements. We are investigating whether the WFD interests have been sufficiently taken into account in these lease agreements and will amend them where necessary.

Communication

We want to provide more insight into how we fulfill our role and tasks in relation to the WFD. That is why we will actively publish information and important documents. The Geoviewer on the Water Quality Portal also shows the status of each area in relation to the WFD guidelines. In area-specific projects, we ensure rapid feedback of measurement data.

Groundwater

To prevent groundwater from becoming a source of water pollution, we will apply the national guideline 'Natural discharge of contaminated groundwater into surface water'.