Consideration of water interests in spatial plans (water test)

Do you, as a project developer, consulting firm, municipality or private individual, have a new plan for rural or urban area that involves water interests? If so, you will have to deal with the weighing of water interests. The weighing of water interests (formerly known as the water assessment) is a process that ensures that spatial plans are water neutral and sufficiently future-proof, and that aspects such as water safety, water quality and water quantity are safeguarded. 

Why weigh the water interest?

It has been agreed nationally that water interests are actively considered in spatial plans. The process of weighing the water interests gives you insight into this. This way you know which procedure applies to the intended plans and which laws and regulations you have to take into account. 

In most cases, you must add a water paragraph to the spatial plan. This describes how water management will be dealt with within the plan.

A variety of questions may arise with a spatial plan. Consider:

  • What water interests are there in or near the planning area and how will the spatial plan affect the water system?
  • Can I build near a water barrier and is it then possible to make a basement?
  • What measures should I take to develop water neutral?
  • How do I deal with rainwater falling on the parking lot next to the new apartment complex to be built?
  • What measures can I take to make the water system climate resilient and robust?
  • How do I keep the water quality from deteriorating or how might I improve it?

Environmental vision and environmental plan

On Jan. 1, 2024, the Omgevingswet entered into force. With the implementation of the Omgevingswet the laws and regulations governing spatial plans have changed. The law replaces a multitude of laws and takes an integrated approach to all aspects of the physical living environment, such as spatial planning, environmental quality, nature, soil and water.

Environmental visions and environmental plans are replacing the existing structure visions and zoning plans and are becoming important tools for municipalities. If you, as a municipality, are going to start working with these instruments (or zoning plan with broadened scope), we would like to work with you from the beginning.

Water and soil guiding

Although spatial planning is in the hands of municipalities, provinces and the state, water boards are important partners. Water and soil are important Requirements in spatial planning, including in site selection for building plans. As the then Minister Harbers of Infrastructure and Water Management expressed in his letter to the Lower House in September 2022: 

"By letting water and soil guide spatial planning, we can continue to live, live and work in the Netherlands with a different and capricious climate in the future. In a safe environment, with healthy soil, sufficient and clean water."

To support this, the national government has developed a framework for consideration of the climate adaptive built environment which helps in choosing a building location and mapping out the challenges for water and soil. The district water board will use its expertise to Map the challenges from the perspective of water interests and advise you on these. The district water board helps you in the early stages of drafting your spatial plan. 

The digital water opinion

To properly weigh water, it is first important that you gain insight into the water interests at play in and around your planning area. On www.hetwateradvies.nl (formerly 'the Digital Water Test') you can easily gain insight into this. You will receive a digital water advice which will allow you to know which issues are relevant to your location and should be highlighted in the water paragraph. 

Digital water advice

Weighing the water interest: this is what we do

We provide input and 'test' the water paragraph for all small or large plans involving water interests. In addition to the assignments for site selection (see above, under the heading Water and soil steering), we assess whether you have taken sufficient account of water interests based on eight principles.

It is important to contact us early, as early as when you are making the initial sketches. This has many advantages:

  • We are familiar with the most current laws, regulations and boundary conditions and advise what they mean for your spatial plan.
  • We proactively consider opportunities and creative solutions in spatial developments.
  • We take into account the physical environment and climate change, making your plan future-proof.
  • The process is smoother because you know from the beginning what you need to consider and there are no more surprises towards the permit application.

Good to know

When developing spatial plans, you will have to deal with various laws, regulations and policies.

Contact

Do you have questions about the weighing of the water interest, the digital water advice (water test) or the submission of a spatial plan? If so, please send an e-mail to info@hhnk.nl or call 072 582 8282. You can also contact the regional advisor for your region (see the download at the bottom of this page). 

Note!

A fully executed weighing of the water interest is not the same as a permit application. The necessity and content of an Environmental Permit for Water Activity (formerly Water Permit) follows from the Water Board Ordinance. For more information on this, see the Permits page. You can also ask a specific question via our contact form or via our general telephone number 072- 582 282.

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