Veehalduse

Veehalduse, or water management, is the discipline and practice of planning, developing, distributing, and protecting the surface and groundwater resources of a region to meet present and future demands while safeguarding public health and ecosystem integrity.

Veehalduse covers drinking water supply, wastewater collection and treatment, irrigation, industrial water use, and hydropower, as well as the protection of rivers, lakes, wetlands and coastal zones. It also encompasses flood risk management, drought preparedness, and the maintenance of the urban and rural water infrastructure, including pipes, pumps, drainage systems, and reservoirs.

Governance and policy frameworks emphasize integrated water resources management (IWRM) and cross-sector coordination among government agencies, utilities, municipalities, and water users. In the European Union context, national legislation is aligned with the Water Framework Directive and related directives, driving river basin planning, water quality standards, and environmental flow requirements.

Institutions typically include a national ministry or competent authority for environment and water, separate water or environmental agencies, regional or river-basin authorities, and public or private utility companies that operate water services. Planning instruments include river basin management plans, urban master plans, and infrastructure planning mechanisms for water supply and drainage.

Key challenges for veehalduse include adapting to climate change, aging infrastructure, pollution and eutrophication, balancing competing uses (drinking water, agriculture, industry), and ensuring affordable access. Ongoing investments, data-driven monitoring, and stakeholder participation are central to sustainable outcomes.