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 Hart for Schoner Water Week (Heart for Cleaner Water Week), which will take place from 8 to 12 June.
Background: Noria study reveals extent of waste problem
The idea for the youth panel came about following research titled 'Stop plastic from City to Wad' by Noria. That study shows that a lot of rubbish from the city of Groningen – such as cans, packaging, vapes, and nitrous oxide cartridges – flows through canals and waterways towards the Eems canal and eventually the Wadden Sea.
Every year, at least 100,000 items of waste end up in nature this way. This is bad for animals, plants, and water quality. Young people play a big part in both this problem and its solution. That's why the water authority asked the youth panel to help come up with ideas.
What is the Heart for Cleaner Water Week?
The Heart for Clean Water Week is an annual event during which the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority collaboration with Groningen and Hunze en Aa’s Council, raises awareness about clean water and a clean living environment. During this week (June 8–12), various activities are organised, such as clean-up campaigns, lessons in schools, and campaigns throughout 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 authority employees 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 Groningen Council. They developed a script for the Heart for Cleaner Water Week.
Presentation to the Board of Directors
On Wednesday, 28 January, the youth panel presented its final report to the Board of Directors of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority. Board members responded enthusiastically and asked many questions about Noria’s research, its effectiveness, and the collaboration with Groningen Council.
It was a special moment for the panel: it shows that their work is appreciated, and 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 reach out to more students.
Some of the ideas are already 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 developed further 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 behaviour when it comes to litter. With World Clean Up Day, literature research, and discussions—including with Groningen Council—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