Groundwater policy framework HHNK

The Dutch Water Act took effect in 2009. One of the most important changes introduced by the amendment is that it appoints the water board as the competent authority for operational groundwater management. This task was moved from the province to the water board. Practical implementation of this change requires the water boards to determine a groundwater policy. The Hollands Noorderkwartier Higher Water Board (HHNK) asked Acacia Water to provide substantive support in setting up the groundwater policy framework.

The policy-making process was specifically supported by knowledge on aspects including the hydrologic system and the possible effects of interventions. The starting point was the hydrogeologic situation in the area under management of the HHNK. We adopted an area-based approach to optimize the existing groundwater policy of the province into a policy that is now fully in line with HHNK’s existing views. An integrated approach that addresses both surface water and groundwater equitably will contribute to the objectives that the HHNK has adopted. Embedding of the essence of the groundwater policy is important in this respect.