Your community. Your water. Your voice

Water seems like something we take for granted—until streets flood after a heavy downpour, until a nature reserve dries up, or until measures are needed to better protect homes, businesses, and villages from flooding. With your vote, you choose the people who make decisions about water management in your area. In this way, you help determine how we work together to create a safe, healthy, and sustainable living environment.

At a Glance

When are the elections?

The water board elections will be held on Wednesday, March 17, 2027. On the same day, you can also vote in the Provincial Council. You can vote in both elections at the same polling place.

Who is eligible to vote?

You can vote if you:

are 18 years of age or older;
lives in the area covered by Noorderzijlvest Water Authority;
are a Dutch citizen, or
are a citizen of an EU country, or
have a valid residence permit.

Where can I vote?

You can vote at a polling place near you. Before the election, you'll receive a voting pass in the mail. It will also include information about the polling places.

How can I vote?

You will automatically receive a voting card before the election. Bring it to the polling place along with a valid form of identification.

Who can I vote for?

In the run-up to the elections, we’ll announce which parties and candidates are running. Starting in February 2027, you’ll find the list on this website and in the Waterschapsblad.

Why should I vote?

The choices we make today regarding water are reflected in our living environment—in the neighborhood where you live, the nature where you go for walks, and the landscape that defines our region characterises. With your vote, you can influence these choices.

Why are the water board elections important?

Noorderzijlvest Water Authority provides:

clean and healthy water;
secure dykes;
enough water during a drought;
preventing flooding;
treat s of sewage.

Those choices affect the environment where you live, work, and spend your free time. In addition, the climate is changing. As a result, we are increasingly facing long periods of drought, heavy downpours, and rising water levels. The water authority must make decisions about how we deal with these issues. By voting, you help determine what decisions are made on these matters.

What am I voting for?

With your vote, you help determine which candidates and parties will secure a seat on the Board of Directors of Noorderzijlvest Water Authority. The Board of Directors is the highest governing body of the water authority. The board members make decisions on topics such as:

water safety;
water quality;
climate adaptation;
nature and biodiversity;
the budget;
water rates.

The " Board of Directors " is comparable to the city council of the " council." Read more about the "Board of Directors."

Frequently asked questions

What is a " water authority"?

A “ water authority ” is a government agency that ensures effective water management in the region. We provide safe dykes, clean and healthy water, wastewater treatment, and sufficient water supplies throughout the year. We do this for residents, businesses, farmers, and the natural environment. Want to learn more about our work? Check out “Our Work.”

Why does the Netherlands have water boards?

The Netherlands is a country of water. A large part of our country lies below sea level. That is why we have water boards. Water boards are the oldest level of government in the Netherlands and have existed for more than 800 years. Noorderzijlvest Water Authority ensures safe dykes, sufficient water, and clean surface water. The water authority also treats wastewater and works to prevent flooding and drought. In this way, the water authority contributes every day to a safe and healthy living environment for residents, businesses, and nature.

Why do I pay water rates?

We use tax dollars to work on safe dykes and protection against flooding. We also ensure there is sufficient, clean water in canals, ditches, lakes, and the soil for agriculture, nature, and urban areas. Your individual circumstances determine how much water rates you have to pay. Read more information about Water Rates.

Can I become a director myself?

Yes. You can run for a seat on the Water Council ( Board of Directors ) of the Water Board ( water authority ) through a participating political party, or you can register a political party yourself. For more information, visit the page “Help Decide the Future of Water.”

What exactly am I voting for?

water safety;
water quality;
climate adaptation;
nature and biodiversity;
the budget;
water rates.