Abstract

In the Netherlands we obtain our drinking water from two sources: groundwater and river water. If that water is of good quality, the purification effort required to produce clean drinking water is small. However, in many areas the quality of the water is not sufficient, for example because it contains residues of pesticides or fertilisers. Therefore, the provincial authorities and the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat) are taking measures together with drinking water companies, water boards and farmers to improve water quality near drinking water extraction sites. Research conducted by RIVM has shown that those measures are probably not going to be sufficient to solve the problems.

There are various reasons for this. Most measures relate to mapping risks or improving collaboration between the parties involved. For instance, by allocating the responsibilities for maintenance of pipes or by performing emergency response exercises. While those measures are important, they will not immediately reduce the amounts of pollutants leaching into our ground and surface waters. Only a few measures are included that have a direct effect, such as the revision of permits that allow companies to discharge pollutants, or restrictions on the agricultural use of fertilisers and pesticides in drinking water extraction areas.

In many cases, participating in the measures is voluntary. Due to the competing interests involved, measures are often abated. Sometimes measures that are quite effective, are too expensive for the provinces to implement. For other problems it is not clear whether it is the responsibility of the national government or of the provinces and water boards to solve them. Moreover, the monitoring tends to lack sufficient focus on the effects of the measures.

RIVM issues recommendations for more effective water management. This can be achieved, for example, by taking measures to address the activities that cause the pollution. For this purpose, it is important to have a clear division of tasks between the national and provincial authorities. Finally, RIVM recommends improving the system for monitoring the effects of measures.