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 underline the value of water as an important and indispensable element in the working area and as a driver of existing and new spatial developments. The coalition agreement was 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 general board.

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

Water and soil management

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-governing bodies) in the water board's working area. 'Water and soil-driven' also means that the board is committed to raising water levels and groundwater levels in peat areas to help prevent ground subsidence and limit_{CO2 emissions}. The board 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 board faces 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 achieving greater 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, working together with other authorities and partners to contribute to added value for the entire working area: as a single authority acting in the public interest while remaining mindful of its own responsibilities. The water board is increasingly collaborating 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 board charges over 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.