About us

Dutch water expertise

The Netherlands is a world leader in water management. Our country, often referred to as Holland, is a relatively small, low lying, densely populated deltaic region at the western edge of Europe. Living in this challenging and vulnerable environment, with 29% prone to flooding, spurs innovation and cooperation. By constantly adapting our approach to water over decades, we have gained an advantage and we want to share our knowledge and skills internationally. At the same time, we too face our challenges in light of climate change and would like to learn from others on creating a sustainable future.

We believe that by putting our heads together, we can achieve more in tackling global water related challenges. That is why this website features the best the Dutch water sector has to offer, nationally and internationally. Join our water network!

Powered by NWP and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)

The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) is a network organisation of Dutch water organisations, working worldwide on co-creating future-proof solutions and catalysing global water impact. NWP is a strong collaborative alliance of entrepreneurial and innovative companies, renowned knowledge institutes, involved NGOs and experienced governmental organisations.

NWP helps you find the desired Dutch water expertise. Whether you are looking for knowledge, technology, or partners, NWP can give you access to its global and cross-sectoral network. This broad network makes NWP the first port of call for anyone seeking to get in touch with the Dutch water sector.

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) is a government organisation that supports businesses, knowledge institutions, and governments in sustainable innovation and international cooperation. RVO provides funding, advice, and practical support to help turn innovative ideas into impact, both in the Netherlands and abroad. Their work spans energy, water, agriculture, and other sectors critical to economic growth and sustainability.

Supporting partners

This website is the result of a collaboration that brings together the breadth and expertise of the Dutch water sector. The following organisations contribute:

• The Blue Deal is a global partnership programme launched in 2018 with the goal to improve access to clean, safe and sufficient water for 20 million people, by 2030, in support of SDG6. It is jointly carried out by Dutch Water Authorities (DWA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. Through 17 long-term partnerships between Dutch Water Authorities and water authorities in 15 countries, the Blue Deal takes a demand-driven approach to strengthen institutional capacity, improve water governance, and enhance technical knowledge and expertise.
• Deltares is an independent knowledge institute dedicated to developing innovative solutions in the fields of water and the subsurface. With a focus on research, consultancy, and practical applications, Deltares supports governments, businesses, and communities in tackling complex water challenges. Their expertise spans flood risk, water management, and sustainable infrastructure, both in the Netherlands and internationally.
• IGRAC is a research centre that provides groundwater data and information to enhance knowledge and wisdom, support decision-making, and promote a world where groundwater is managed sustainably and equitably. Through monitoring and assessment, based on in-situ data and information, we focus our research on groundwater quantity, groundwater quality and transboundary aquifers. IGRAC contributes to capacity development, advocacy and awareness-raising, through knowledge exchange at multiple levels. We promote open access to data, connect science, water governance and diplomacy with civil society, and highly value transparency, accountability, independence, and integrity. IGRAC is financially supported by the Dutch government and work under the auspices of UNESCO-IHP and WMO.
• Koninklijk Nederlands Waternetwerk (KNW) is the premier independent knowledge network driving innovation across the Dutch water sector. Our vibrant platform empowers water professionals, businesses and organisations to share expertise, gain fresh inspiration and connect with one another to shape the future of water together.
• Ministry of Infrastructure and Water (Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) is committed to improving quality of life, access and mobility in a clean, safe and sustainable environment. The Ministry strives to create an efficient network of roads, railways, waterways and airways, effective water management to protect against flooding, and improved air and water quality.
• Partners for Water is a Dutch government programme enhancing water security internationally in long-term cooperation with local partners and the Dutch water sector. By facilitating strategic planning and support in the early stages of innovation, the programme aims to contribute to systemic change for sustainable water management and infrastructure. This is how we co-create impactful changes for a better living environment.
• Rijkswaterstaat is the executive agency of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, dedicated to promote safety, mobility and the quality of life in the Netherlands. The employees of Rijkswaterstaat dedicate themselves to achieving that every day. With more than 200 years of expertise in planning the country’s infrastructure, we know that our task involves more than executing projects on the roads and waterways. It is also about balancing the interests of the economy, the environment and quality of life.
• Unie van Waterschappen (Dutch Water Authorities) are regional public organisations responsible for managing water safety, quality, and quantity across the Netherlands. They oversee flood protection, water level management, and the maintenance of waterways, working to ensure a safe and sustainable water system for people, nature, and the economy. Together, they form a vital network that safeguards the country against water-related risks while promoting innovative water management solutions.
• VEI Founded in 2005 by Dutch water utilities, VEI supports public water operators worldwide through Water Operator Partnerships (WOPs). By sharing knowledge and expertise, VEI helps partners become more financially sustainable and resilient to climate and crisis challenges. VEI B.V. is jointly owned by Vitens N.V. and Evides Waterbedrijf N.V. and implements the international CSR policy on behalf of eight Dutch water utilities and laboratories: Vitens, Evides, WML, Waterbedrijf Groningen, Brabant Water, WLN, PWN, and WMD. Each year, VEI improves access to safe water and sanitation for hundreds of thousands of people in low-income areas across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
• Water Alliance is the premier network and industry organization for the Dutch water and environmental technology sector, with over 200 members active in this field. We support our members in (inter)national matchmaking, marketing, networking, and business development. We are one of the managing partners of WaterCampus in Leeuwarden—a unique collaboration between government, research institutions, and the business community. WaterCampus serves as the physical hub of the Dutch water technology sector and aims to play a connecting role for the entire European market. Our focus is on the business community in innovative and sustainable water and environmental technologies that can be introduced to markets worldwide.

Connect

This website is a useful source of information on Dutch water sector’s expertise, and national and international activities. The website is supported by social media. Please follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

If you want to connect with the Dutch water sector, get in touch with us today!