OPINION · DUTCH WATER BOARD ELECTIONS, MARCH 2027
When i walk with my dog Pip Thru the woods of Lage Vuursche:
I see it more and more often: ditches running
dry, trees clearly struggling, animals having to search
further for water. My wife Monique and I live in Baarn, in
the middle of this beautiful countryside. It is exactly there
that you realise how much people and nature depend on
water. Our bodies are about 60 percent water. And without
water there are no healthy trees, and without trees no
clean air.
Dry spells are getting longer, downpours heavier, and our
water treatment can barely keep up with demand. The
established parties have thought in short terms for far too
long. It is time for a fresh look, with good water
management as the foundation.
Clean water starts at the sewer
Wastewater treatment plants need to move with the
times: modern, innovative and affordable. Where it is safe,
treated wastewater can be reused, and sludge can yield
raw materials and energy. But the cheapest treatment is
the dirt that never enters the sewer. Good public
information about medicine residues, frying fat and wet
wipes prevents many problems at the source.
A water board that can take a knock
Treatment plants, pumping stations and dikes must keep
working, even during a power cut, a cyberattack or
extreme weather. That requires proper security,robust
crisis plans and close cooperation with municipalities and
safety regions.
Hold water when we can, drain it when we
must
Water and soil must guide every decision about how we
use our land. That means more room for water storage,
better ditches, keeping fresh water longer and strong
dikes. In times of shortage, vulnerable nature and
essential functions come first. And everyone can help at
home: with a rain barrel, or a green garden instead of
paving stones.
Together, and with open cards
We can only solve tomorrow’s water challenges together.
The water board must involve residents, farmers,
businesses and nature organisations early on and be open
about costs and results. And it must invest in public
information: lessons in schools, open days at treatment
plants and clear information. Those who understand how
precious water is will use it more carefully.
When I walk through the woods with Pip a few years from
now, I hope to see full ditches and healthy trees again.
That is why I call on everyone: vote in the water board
elections in March 2027, and choose a fresh look at our
water.
Signed,
Antonius (Ton) Bakker
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