waterzorg

Waterzorg is a Dutch term referring to the systematic care, management, and protection of water resources and the services that depend on them. It encompasses ensuring safe drinking water, reliable wastewater treatment, flood protection, and the sustainable use of freshwater and aquatic habitats.

The scope includes drinking water production and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, surface and groundwater management, flood risk reduction, water quality monitoring, and ecological protection. It also involves land-use planning, irrigation, recreation, and climate adaptation to address droughts and sea-level rise.

Governance and institutions: In the Netherlands, waterzorg is carried out by a mix of organizations, most notably regional water authorities (waterschappen) that manage flood defenses, water levels, and wastewater infrastructure. Municipalities and provinces handle local land use and service delivery, while national agencies set health and environmental standards. Water suppliers oversee drinking-water quality according to these standards.

Policy goals and challenges: The focus is on reliable supply, safe drinking water, environmental sustainability, and resilience to climate change. Key challenges include aging infrastructure, funding needs, increasing urbanization, and balancing economic activity with ecological protection.

In broader terms, waterzorg describes the practice of water governance and services in Dutch-speaking contexts, and it is often used as a model of integrated water resources management in temperate regions.