Rijkswaterstaat and the water boards are the water managers in the Netherlands. They ensure, among other things, that there is sufficient water. And that the land is protected against flooding. In addition, provinces and municipalities are also involved in water management. 

A water manager’s job is to prevent flooding. In addition, a water manager ensures sufficient ground and surface water and good water quality. The water managers in the Netherlands are Rijkswaterstaat and the Water Boards (sometimes also called Water Boards). They have the following responsibilities:

• Rijkswaterstaat (RWS)

  Rijkswaterstaat is responsible for the management of large waters, such as the sea and rivers. RWS warns the responsible authorities in time of high water or storms at sea. In addition, RWS maintains dikes, dams, weirs and storm surge barriers. RWS also protects the coast and gives rivers more space. For example, by deepening flood plains and creating secondary channels.

• Regional water authorities

  Water boards are responsible for regional waters, such as canals and polder waterways. For example, they ensure that the water is clean, so that the fish stock is maintained. Water boards also protect the land from flooding and ensure that farmers have enough water for their crops. They also provide for the purification of wastewater.