Coalition agreement: emphasis on 'the value of water'

June 14, 2023, 4:32 p.m.

The new coalition of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority has been finalized. Led by coalition negotiator Ton Baas, the coalition reached agreement on continuing the planned course set out in the previously adopted Blue Environmental Vision and the current Water Management Program.

The value of water is visible and tangible

In the new coalition agreement, the parties emphasize a number of themes. In doing so, they underscore the value of water as an important and indispensable element in the region as a driver of existing and new spatial developments. The coalition agreement has been signed by the Water Natuurlijk, Geborgd Ongebouwd – VVD – CDA, PvdA, Geborgd Natuur, and Student & Water political parties. Together, they represent 16 of the 23 seats on the Bestuur of Directors.

The new executive committee is committed, on behalf of the coalition, to making the value of water water authority and tangible in the work of the water authority . In addition to the investments already planned in the current Water Management Program, the committee emphasizes continuing robust work on water, with customized solutions and in collaboration with each other.

Water and soil driven

The effects of climate change mean that water and soil must be guiding factors in spatial development. The board wants to clarify what this means for current land use and future plans (of other parties and co-governments) in the water authority region . 'Water and soil-driven' also means that the administration is committed to raising water levels and groundwater levels in peat areas to help prevent ground level subsidence and limit_{CO2 emissions}. The administration is continuing its policy of working with landowners to create healthy soil that retains more water.

Major challenges for a climate-proof region

The guiding principle that remains unchanged is the step-by-step realization of a more naturally designed water system. A resilient natural environment is better able to absorb the effects of climate change than the use of (only) technical solutions.
The water authority major challenges in making the area and its water-related work climate-proof. That is why the board is focusing on:

Research into the development of a broad safe coastal zone, including dealing with salinization in this area;
Improving water quality while increasing biodiversity;
Better water retention for periods of drought;
The ability to continue draining excess water as sea levels continue to rise and the ground continues to sink;
Research into adapting purification processes to comply with new regulations and enable the extensive removal of drug residues and microplastics;
Research into the recovery of raw materials.

Agenda-setting and focused on the environment

In order to realize these ambitions, the board envisions a more agenda-setting and steering role for the water authority together with other authorities and partners to contribute to added value for the entire region: as a single authority acting in the public interest while remaining mindful of its own responsibilities. The water authority increasingly water authority with the surrounding area and focusing more strongly on water awareness among residents, in urban/built-up areas, and among young people.

Rising costs

The costs of water management are increasing due to the major challenges that lie ahead. Water board charges will rise in the coming years due to autonomous economic developments (such as inflation and interest rate developments). In addition, the board expects an increase of approximately 4% per year due to the implementation of measures and investments that have already been announced in the current Water Management Program. The board is aiming for a steady rate of increase in water rates the coming years, without any major fluctuations. In order to moderate the tax burden on citizens and businesses, the board is making every effort to attract external financing from European and national funds.