Politically, There Seems to Be a Lack of Urgency in the Water Transition

Soon we will be nominating a new House of Representatives. There is plenty to be learned in the field of water, but water gets relatively little attention in most election programs. This should be a challenge for all those involved with the water and water management system. Of course, we, the drinking water companies, are concerned.

Understanding the Lack of Urgency in the Water Transition

The water system, including the drinking water supply, is under pressure from drought, salinization and a growing economy and population. The quality of our drinking water sources is also deteriorating due to pollution from agriculture, industry and households. By analogy with the energy transition, we therefore advocate a water transition, aimed at a climate-robust system that ensures future water availability and water quality. Drinking water companies are faced with major challenges and investments. They must be given more space to tackle and realize them.

The protracted droughts of recent years have sent a clear signal. There is enough water on an annual basis, but regionally there is sometimes too little in dry periods and too much in other periods. A transition is needed of the water system: from water discharge to water management. Water availability must become the guiding principle for the long-term decision-making about spatial planning and water must be better retained in wet periods.

The available sources for our drinking water require better protection and we must reserve space in time for the realization of new sources. More attention is also required for conscious use of water and stimulation of sustainable water-saving techniques and innovations.

Watch the Video Why Water Changes Everything.

 

All governments must give priority to improving the quality of drinking water sources in their water and environmental plans. The House of Representatives previously asked the minister for ambition, direction and priority for the protection of drinking water sources in the 2022-2027 planning period of the Water Framework Directive. This year will show whether enough has been done in the new plans, but the step from plan to action will require constant attention, adjustment and refinement in the coming years.

The water transition requires political urgency, cooperation and broad social consensus. The drinking water sector strongly advocates a follow-up to the Administrative Agreement on Water, which has strongly promoted cooperation between the ‘water parties’,.

Drinking water companies actively contribute to a better design of the water system. They invest in buffers and diversification of sources, contribute to the necessary transition of drinking water use and protect their sources. All in all, new tasks and replacement of underground infrastructure require a significant increase in investment, to around sixty percent in the coming years.

But those investments threaten to become unfeasible. Drinking water companies are finding it increasingly difficult to finance their investments. Drinking water companies are becoming more dependent on external financing, while requirements from financiers are becoming increasingly strict. In December, the House of Representatives called on the minister to do something about this and to better align regulations with financing practices and the challenges of the drinking water sector. Then we can play our part to the full, contribute to the necessary water transition and continue to provide tasty and healthy tap water in the future.

Drought, salinization, and an increasing economy and population are placing pressure on the water infrastructure, especially the drinking water supply. Owing to contamination from agriculture, manufacturing, and households, the quality of our drinking water supplies is declining as well. The water supply must change from water discharge to water management. Companies who have drinking water are finding it more difficult to fund their investments. The House of Representatives demanded that the minister take action.

Water is extremely valuable to humans and it is required on a regular basis, so if the water source is interrupted, you can contact ’emergency water restoration corona ca.’ People are very concerned about the need to limit water usage due to the decrease in water quality. As a result, politics must intervene immediately.

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