Since 2023, the Province of Flevoland has been collaborating with Vitens, Waterschap Zuiderzeeland, the Municipality of Urk, and the Municipality of Noordoostpolder on a so-called regional process. The goal of this cooperation is to create a future-proof water system for Northern Flevoland. This process looks at the entire water chain: from drinking water to wastewater. A well-functioning water system is important for the sustainable development of the area, both for housing and businesses. For housing, there is a legal supply obligation for drinking water and wastewater processing. This obligation does not apply to businesses.

Current bottlenecks in drinking water and wastewater

At the moment, there are problems in both the drinking water supply and the wastewater chain:

  • Vitens cannot assist companies that want a (new) large-scale connection. This is because the maximum permit capacity has been reached.
  • The sewage treatment plant is also at the limit of what is technically possible.

Because water use and wastewater processing are closely linked, one integrated process has been chosen. This allows measures to be developed that improve both the availability of water and the processing of wastewater. In various theme groups, we therefore work on topics such as circular water use, water conservation, increasing water availability, and smart wastewater management.

Research into additional water supply

There were three options to increase the water supply:

  • Two options where companies develop their own solutions
  • One option where Vitens supplies extra drinking water for all of Northern Flevoland

The preference was for the variant where Vitens would supply extra drinking water, combined with conservation measures. This option has been extensively investigated. Important conditions were that the solution delivers sufficient water and can be implemented within a foreseeable time. Vitens investigated, among other things:

  • Transporting extra drinking water to the distribution network
  • Using surface water as an alternative source

All possibilities were assessed for technical feasibility, permits, and the time needed to realize them. This research shows that none of the options can provide enough drinking water within ten years to guarantee reconnection of companies.

Developing own solutions

During the administrative meeting on February 4, 2026, the involved administrators concluded that no extra water will be available via the Vitens network in the short term. This option is therefore no longer valid. This means that companies themselves become responsible for possible solutions within their water use. The administrators of this regional process explicitly stated that they support companies dependent on high-quality process water. This requires solutions at the front end (process water) and at the back end (wastewater) of the water chain. In the coming period, the authorities will work on a concrete plan. Together with the business community, we explore which possibilities fit within everyones role and responsibility. Reciprocity in cooperation is important.

Looking ahead

A future-proof water system remains the goal. At the same time, it is clear that the current system has reached its limits. Therefore, water conservation, innovation, and sustainable solutions are necessary. The involved authorities jointly commit to making this development possible.