You are eligible to vote if you: are 18 years of age or older; live in the area covered by Noorderzijlvest Water Authority; are a Dutch citizen, or a citizen of an EU country, or have a valid residence permit.

Wat doet een bestuurslid van het waterschap?

The board of Noorderzijlvest Water Authority consists of an executive committee and a general board ( Board of Directors). Members of the general board ( Board of Directors ) determine the broad outlines of policy, adopt plans and budgets, and oversee the executive committee. Members of the executive committee are responsible for the day-to-day management of the water authority ; they prepare and implement policies and decisions. Together, board members make decisions on topics such as water safety, water supply, clean water, and wastewater treatment. In addition, they represent the interests of residents, businesses, and organizations in the region. More information can be found on the Board page.

2027 Water-authority elections

On 17 March 2027, there will be another water-authority election. Your vote will determine who will serve on the new board of the water authority.

What do you want to do?

I want to vote

Find out why your vote matters, when you can vote, and how the elections work: Your Living Environment. Your water. Your vote

Vote in the 2027 water-authority elections!

I would like to become a member of the Board of Directors

Find out what a board member does, how to become a candidate, and what steps you need to take: Have your say on the future of water

Board of Directors in the lobby of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority building

Key moments leading up to the elections

There are several important dates leading up to the water-authority elections. This timeline shows you the different steps and when they happen. That way, you’ll know what to expect around election time.

21 December 2026: Deadline for registering new parties
1 February 2027: Submission of lists of candidates
17 March 2027: Election day
25 March 2027: Official results
31 March 2027: Inauguration of the new board

View the complete schedule on the page Register a political party for the water-authority elections.

Frequently asked questions

When are the water-authority elections?

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

What does the Board of Directors do?

The Board of Directors of Noorderzijlvest Water Authority has 23 members. Together, they formulate policy, the regulations, and agreements. They do so on behalf of residents, farmers, and nature conservationists. Resident representatives are elected during the water-authority elections. You can vote for political parties or interest groups. Read more about the current Board of Directors.

Who is eligible to vote?

You can vote if you:

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

Why are water-authority elections important?

Water affects us all. In the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority region, we work every day to ensure safe dykes, clean water, and sufficient water for nature, agriculture, businesses, and residents. This is important because we are increasingly facing extreme rainfall, droughts, and other challenges to clean and healthy water.

The choices we make today determine how we will live and work in the future. How do we protect our environment from flooding? How do we ensure an adequate supply of clean water? And what investments are needed to prepare our region for climate change? The Board of Directors of the water authority takes decisions on these matters. The board also decides how the available funds will be allocated for water management in our region. By voting, you can influence these decisions.

Would you like to contribute your ideas and help decide the future of water in the province of Groningen, northern Drenthe, and the lake Lauwersmeer region? Then you can run for a seat on the board. Have your say on the future of water.

Can I become a board member at Noorderzijlvest?

Yes. You can be a candidate for a political party that participates in the elections for the Board of Directors of the water authority, or you can register a political party yourself for the water-authority elections. You can find more information on the page Have your say on the future of water.

What does a board member of the water authority do?

The board of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority consists of an Executive Board and a Board of Directors.

Members of the Board of Directors determine the broad outlines of policy, approve plans and budgets, and oversee day-to-day management.
Members of the Executive Board are responsible for the day-to-day management of the water authority; they prepare and implement policies and decisions.

Together, board members make decisions on issues such as flood control, water supply, clean water, and wastewater treatment. They also represent the interests of residents, businesses, and organisations in the region. For more information, visit the Board page.

How much time does a board position take?

The time commitment varies by board member and position. On average, it takes about three to four days a month.

Which information can I find about the elections on this website?

On this website, you'll find information about voting, being a candidate, important dates, and the board's activities.

Would you like to learn more about voting?

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

Are you thinking about being a candidate?

As a board member of Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, you’ll help develop solutions to the water challenges of today and tomorrow. Wondering if this role is right for you? Find out how you can prepare for the 2027 water-authority elections: Have your say on the future of water.