Coalition finalised: emphasis on 'the value of water'
The new coalition of Noorderzijlvest Water Authority has been finalised. Under the leadership of formateur Ton Baas, the coalition reached an agreement to continue following the course set out in the previously adopted Blue Environmental Vision and the ongoing Water Management Programme.
The value of water is visible and tangible
In the new coalition agreement, the parties emphasise a number of themes. In doing so, they underscore the value of water as an important and indispensable element in the region and as a driver of existing and new spatial developments. The coalition agreement has been signed by the Water Natuurlijk, combinatie Geborgd Ongebouwd – VVD – CDA, PvdA, Geborgd Natuur, and Student & Water political parties. Together, they represent 16 of the 23 seats on the Board of Directors.
On behalf of the coalition, the new Executive Board is committed to making the value of water visible and tangible in the work of the water authority. In addition to the investments already planned in the current Water Management Programme, the Board emphasises continuing robust work on water, with customised solutions and in collaboration with each other.
Water and soil guiding principle
The effects of climate change mean that water and soil must be guiding principles in spatial development. The board wants to clarify what this means for current land use and future plans of other parties and governments bodies in the water authority region. 'Water and soil-guiding principle' also means that the board is committed to raising water levels and groundwater levels in peat areas to help prevent ground level 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 realisation 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 faces major challenges in making the area and its water-management work climate-proof. That is why the board is focusing on:
- Study of developing a broad safe coastal zone, including dealing with salinisation 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;
- Study of adapting treatment processes to comply with new regulations and enable the extensive removal of drug residues and microplastics;
- Study of recovering raw materials.
Agenda-setting and focused on the environment
In order to realise 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 works together with the local community and focuses more strongly on water awareness among residents, on 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 authority costs 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 Programme. The board is aiming for a steady rate of increase in water rates over the coming years, without any major fluctuations. In order to lessen the tax burden on citizens and businesses, the board is making every effort to attract external financing from European and national funds.
Coalition agreement
The board emphasises the value of water as an important and indispensable element in our region, and as a driver of existing and new spatial developments. On behalf of the coalition, the board is committed to making the value of water tangible and visible in the work of the water authority.