The Netherlands

 
Unie van Waterschappen 

The Association of Regional Water Authorities (Dutch: Unie van Waterschappen) is the umbrella organisation of all 25 regional water authorities in the Netherlands. The Association promotes the interests of its members both at a national and at an international level. A majority of the policies with an impact on the core functions of the regional water authorities is made by the EU, which is why an effective promotion of interests in Europe is of the utmost importance. The Brussels Bureau was set up to represent both the Association and Vewin at relevant EU organisations.  In addition, the Association is a member of 3 European umbrella organisations: EUREAU, EUWMA and EWA.

Apart from the promotion of interests, the Association advises the member regional water authorities, draws up guidelines and model regulations and model plans and supports them with the implementation of European regulations. The Association participates in water management research and supports international projects set up by its members. Finally, as an employers’ organisation the Association conducts negociations with the central organisation of civil servants about binding terms of employment for regional water authority personnel.

the netherlands

 

Facts and  figures (2010)

  • Stretches of primary dykes (coast, main rivers) maintained by Regional Water Authorities :  3.650 km.
  • Stretches of smaller dykes/dams: approximately 14.000 km.
  • Stretches of main water courses maintained by Regional Water Authorities : 57.000 km.
  • Urban wastewater treatment plants: 365
  • Treatment capacity: 27 million pollution equivalents

 

Tax revenues

The regional water authorities each fund their activities almost solely with their own tax revenue. The management of the water system (water barriers, water quantity and water quality) is financed with the revenues of both water system levies and  pollution taxes.

A water purification levy pays for the purification of sewerage water. These tax revenues amount to a budget of almost € 2.3 billion in 2010. The total costs for this year amount to almost € 2.7 billion, which means the regional water authorities are for the most part independent of national politics and policies and economic tendencies. Average yearly costs per household: € 290.

Necessary investments in water infrastructure do not have to compete with other government investments. This financial foundation is arguably the best way to safeguard a sustainable water management.

 

Website

www.uvw.nl