TPM and District Water Control Board join forces for Delfland EUWFD policy monitor

The European Water Framework Directive (EUWFD) came into force in 2000. As part of the directive, every river basin within the EU must draw up its own management plan. The Delfland District Water Control Board called on Leon Hermans, assistant professor in Policy Analysis, to provide assistance in drafting the EUWFD policy monitor for Delfland.

The Netherlands has four international river basin districts: Rhine-Delta, Meuse, Scheldt and Ems. Government authorities within each river basin district work together on a management plan outlining how water quality can be improved. The Delfland District Water Control Board is responsible for drawing up the plan for its own area of jurisdiction within the subsidiary river basin area of Rhine-West. The task they faced was a complicated one. Delfland is located in a densely populated area which called for cooperation with the municipal authorities, greenhouse horticulture, and nature and environmental organisations. Many of the targets envisaged proved not to be achievable by 2015, but will be by 2027. In addition, there are many uncertainties in terms of the costs and effects of the measures to be taken. Water quality involves a complex aquatic ecological system and is an area where much still remains unknown.

Read the complete article in the Quarterly VIII/2, June 2010