Attention to Water Use in New Construction in Haarlem

These elements are taken into account in both the design and the layout and living in this area.

Goal of the Pilot

The pilot aims to see how the parties can apply existing water reuse and conservation systems. They are investigating how they can reuse (rain)water in an efficient, healthy, and financially feasible manner within the area, buildings, and homes.

Examples include storing rainwater, applying water-saving measures, and creating a water buffer so that heavy rain does not lead to water nuisance. The parties allow room to improve existing processes and experiment with them. The new construction district will become a living environment with affordable homes that, through a focus on water quality, biodiversity, and climate adaptation, is ready for the future.

6 Parties

Housing corporation Ymere, water company PWN, municipality of Haarlem, province of North Holland, the Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland, and the Dutch Water Boards Bank are now officially starting this exploration, guided by consultancy firm TwynstraGudde.

To secure collaboration between the parties and provide direction to the research, a letter of intent has been drawn up, which was jointly signed on Friday afternoon, July 11, 2025. The collaboration mainly focuses on exploring possibilities. In the coming months, they will work on feasible ideas and solutions. In October, the parties will share the results with colleagues and the press.
 
Each party brings its own knowledge and goals for Korte Verspronckweg:

• The municipality of Haarlem aims for a green and healthy neighborhood without (housing) construction delays. The existing rainwater regulation of the municipality of Haarlem ensures that in case of heavy rain, rain does not cause damage and relieves the sewer system.
• PWN contributes knowledge on how to stimulate conscious drinking water use through the built environment and how public health can be ensured.
• Ymere investigates how additional water measures can ensure affordable and future-proof homes, where houses are protected against climate change and residents have access to affordable drinking water now and in the future.
• The province of North Holland investigates how climate adaptation, such as reusing water and improving biodiversity and water quality in cities, can be better incorporated into new construction projects.
• The Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland advises on area design with space for water and greenery, so that an area is better equipped to withstand weather extremes such as drought and heavy rainfall.
• The Dutch Water Boards Bank (NWB Bank) brings its expertise in financing sustainable public projects to help explore how private financiers can support this water-positive development.