Leidingsnet

Leidingsnet is a Dutch term referring to the interconnected system of pipelines and conduits used to transport fluids, gases, heat, or, in some cases, cables, from sources to consumers. It covers a range of sectors, including drinking water distribution, wastewater collection, natural gas and petroleum pipelines, district heating networks, and, in some contexts, ducting for telecom or electrical cables. The network typically comprises primary and secondary pipes or ducts, pumping stations and compressors, valves, meters, storage or buffering facilities, and an array of control, sensing, and SCADA systems that monitor pressure, flow, and integrity.

Ownership and governance vary by sector and country. Local authorities, water utilities, gas and electricity companies, and district heating operators usually own and operate leidingsnet. Regulation focuses on safety, environmental protection, reliability, and fair access to network capacity. Operators perform asset management, routine inspection, leak detection, corrosion control, pressure management, and plan expansions to meet demand and to replace aging infrastructure. Resilience measures address extreme weather, seismic risk where relevant, and lifecycle planning.

Safety and environmental considerations include adherence to construction codes, corrosion protection, pressure limits, leak detection protocols, incident response, and mandatory reporting. In planning, authorities assess infrastructure’s impact on ecosystems, and public engagement is common for major projects.

See also: water distribution network, sewer network, gas transmission network, district heating network, electricity distribution grid.