Water Board Regulation
The Water Board Regulation contains the rules we apply to protect our waterways, flood defenses, and roads. Various zones (operating areas) have been designated around these ditches, dikes, and roads, and different rules apply to each zone. The Water Board Regulation is based on Article 2.5 of the Omgevingswet.
Since the “ Omgevingswet ” (Water Management Ordinance) took effect (as of January 1, 2024), it has been mandatory to associate each rule with an area where that rule applies. We refer to these as restricted areas or areas of application. We therefore remind you that the rules in the Water Management Ordinance must be read in conjunction with these areas. You can find this information at“Rules on the Map”.
Current Water Board Ordinance 2026
Draft Water Board Ordinance 2027
Amendments to the Water Board Ordinance 2027
The Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Board is currently working on the new Water Board Ordinance 2027. The draft version will be available for public review from August 26 through October 6, 2026.
Here is a general overview of the changes:
You can view the full draft text of the Water Board Ordinance here:
Submit opinion
From August 26 through October 6, 2026, you may submit your comments to the board of the dike reeve and water board members (the executive board of the water board). You can do so in the following ways:
- In writing by mail. Please send your comments to the Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Board, 250 Postbus , 1700 AG Heerhugowaard. Please include the following note: “For the attention of the Omgevingswet Team.”
- Online, using the designated web form on the "Submit a Comment" page.
- In person. You can schedule an appointment by emailingomgevingswet@hhnk.nl. A record will be made of your comments.
Determination
The comments may lead to changes to the draft “Amendment to the HHNK 2027 Water Board Ordinance.” The Board of the Dike Reeve and Water Board Members will adopt a “Response to Comments” document, which will address the comments submitted. For privacy reasons, comments will not be included in the “Response to Comments” document anonymised. The Board of the Dike Reeve and Water Board Members may also make substantive changes on its own initiative (ex officio) during the deliberations.
The amended Water Board Ordinance will take effect on January 1, 2027. Until that date, the current Water Board Ordinance will remain in force.
Project: "When to Compensate for Raising the Level"
For more information about the project “When to Compensate When Raising the Level,” please visit the page“Raising the Level Means Compensating.”
Current Water Board Ordinance 2026
The 2026 Water Board Ordinance was adopted by the executive committee of the water board on December 16, 2025. The 2026 Water Board Ordinance took effect on January 1, 2026. The amendments took effect on January 1, 2026, which is why it is called the 2026 Water Board Ordinance.
The consolidated version of the 2026 Water Board Ordinance is available on the websitewww.overheid.nl.
The Environment Desk
In theOmgevingsloket (Environment Desk), you can see which rules apply to a location in theRules on the map section. This section allows you to view rules, policies, and information about the environment.
On the same website, you will also find thePermit Check. This allows you to check whether you need one or more permits for your plan. Please note: some activities must be reported to the government in advance, even if no licence is required. You can also find this out using the Permit Check. You can thensubmit yourofficial application or notification via the Omgevingsloket (Environment Desk).
Annual changes
The Water Board Regulation is updated annually.
The amendments take effect annually on January 1 and are announced by publication in the Waterschapsblad (Water Board Journal). The changes are first published in draft form and are available for inspection for six weeks. From the day on which the draft decision is made available for inspection, you have six weeks to submit your opinion(s) to our executive committee. The board of the dike reeve and water board members will draw up a response to the opinions submitted, containing their reaction to the opinions. Your opinion may lead to changes in the draft decision. The water board may also make substantive changes (ex officio). Those who have submitted an opinion will be notified of how their opinion has been dealt with. Finally, the HHNK executive committee will take a decision to adopt the final changes.
Would you like to stay informed about the annual changes and the dates of the informational meetings? If so, you can sign up for news updates via this link:
News Update: Water Authority Regulation
Proposals to amend the Water Board Ordinance
Do you have a proposal regarding the current provisions of the HHNK Water Board Regulations? Proposals to amend the Water Board Regulations may be submitted at any time of the year using the form below:
Proposal to Amend the Water Board Ordinance
Maintenance Regulation
Provisions regarding maintenance obligations in our management area can be found in the Maintenance Ordinance.
Questions
Do you have any questions about the Water Board Regulations? Please contact us using thecontact form. On working days between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., you can reach us by telephone on the general telephone number: 072 582 8282.