Youth panel presents fresh ideas for cleaner water
The Noorderzijlvest Youth Panel has completed its first assignment of the year. Twelve young people (aged 16-24) spent four months working on recommendations to get young people more involved in reducing litter. Their insights and recommendations will be used for the 2026 Heart for Cleaner Water Week, which will take place from June 8 to 12.
Background: Noria study reveals extent of waste problem
The assignment for the youth panel arose as a result of Noria's research project 'Stop plastic from City to Wad' . This research shows that a lot of waste from the city of Groningen – such as cans, packaging, vapes, and nitrous oxide cartridges – flows through canals and watercourses towards the Eemskanaal and ultimately the Wadden Sea.
Every year, at least 100,000 pieces of waste end up in nature in this way. This is bad for animals, plants, and water quality. Young people play a major role in this problem and in the solution. That is why the water authority asked water authority youth panel to contribute their ideas.
What is the Heart for Cleaner Water Week?
The Heart for Clean Water Week is an annual week in which the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, in collaboration with the Municipality of Groningen and Hunze en Aa's, draws attention to clean water and a clean living environment. During this week (from June 8 to 12), various activities are organized, such as clean-up campaigns, lessons in schools, and campaigns in the city.
In 2026, partly due to the work of the youth panel, the week will have a stronger focus on young people in the 16 to 24 age group.
This is how the youth panel approached the assignment
The youth panel started their assignment in September 2025 during World Clean Up Day, together with water board members and members of the Lions Club. They picked up litter in the Noorderplantsoen park. This was followed by creative brainstorming sessions, literature research, interviews with colleagues and with the Municipality of Groningen. They developed a script for the Heart for Cleaner Water Week.
Presentation to the Bestuur of Directors
On Wednesday, January 28, the youth panel presented its final results to the Bestuur of Directors AB) of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority. AB members responded enthusiastically and asked many questions about Noria's research, effectiveness, and cooperation with the Municipality of Groningen.
It was a special moment for the panel: it shows that their work is not only appreciated, but also taken seriously in the decision-making process.
Broad and innovative advice
The youth panel came up with a wide range of ideas for reaching young people. The recommendations focus on:
- activities that actively involve young people;
- initiatives that align with what young people find enjoyable and important;
- communication that works well for young people;
- collaborations with schools, associations, and partners in the city;
- opportunities to better reach students.
Some of the ideas are already being incorporated into the 2026 Heart for Cleaner Water Week. Other proposals will be included in the preparations for the 2027 edition, so that they can be further developed if necessary.
Quote from the youth panel
“We have enjoyed working on this assignment over the past four months. It was fun to use our experience as young people and contribute ideas on ways to make young people more aware of their behavior when it comes to litter. Through World Clean Up Day, literature research, and discussions—including with the Municipality of Groningen—we came up with more and more ideas. It's great that a number of our proposals are now being taken up, and we hope that many young people will participate during the Heart for Cleaner Water Week."
- Noorderzijlvest Youth Panel