waterhuishoudingsnormen

Water management, or water governance, is the planning, development, distribution, and regulation of water resources to meet human needs while protecting health, ecosystems, and economic activity. It encompasses the supply of safe drinking water, sanitation, irrigation and industrial water use, as well as the collection and treatment of wastewater and the management of surface and groundwater resources. A central goal is to balance competing demands, ensure resilience to droughts and floods, and sustain aquatic environments.

Key components include water supply systems, wastewater treatment and reuse, irrigation infrastructure, and flood risk management. Water quality monitoring, pollution control, and the protection of aquatic habitats are integral. Urban drainage and stormwater management reduce flood risk and support sustainable drainage. In many regions, desalination or water recycling supplements native resources, especially in arid areas.

Governance involves public authorities, water utilities, municipalities, and, where relevant, transboundary institutions. Policy instruments include planning frameworks, investment in infrastructure, water pricing, and permits or tariffs that encourage conservation. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is a widely endorsed approach that seeks cross-sector coordination and stakeholder participation.

Major challenges include climate change, aging infrastructure, population growth, and land-use changes that affect runoff and groundwater. Advances in data collection, predictive modeling, sensing technologies, and digital management enable more proactive and adaptive strategies. Effective water management aims to deliver reliable water services, protect public health, support economic development, and preserve ecosystems for future generations.