Therefore, the Provincial Executive is investigating the possibility of limiting the use of pesticides and fertilizers. This measure is intended for Natura 2000 and groundwater protection areas.

The use of these powers is significant and may have financial and economic consequences. Therefore, the Provincial Executive is examining whether the restriction is proportional and effective.  

The province is responsible for its own waterways, lands, and protected areas. It creates nature-friendly banks, provides funds for regulating indirect discharges (discharges into sewage water), and ensures that fish can swim safely past locks. However, this is not enough, so the province wants to take additional measures. Research is also being conducted on the management of the crayfish.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus

According to European guidelines (Water Framework Directive), surface water and groundwater must meet chemical and ecological standards by 2027. The 89 designated surface waters, and 1 of the 4 groundwater areas, in North Holland do not meet these standards. The main causes for not achieving the targets are excessively high concentrations of chemical substances and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) in surface and groundwater. 

Pollution is caused, among other things, by industry, agriculture, and traffic. In parts of the province, there is also naturally high nitrogen and phosphorus content in the soil due to old peat and clay soils. Additionally, steep artificial banks (unnatural design) negatively impact water quality. The management of waters, climate change, and animals that do not belong here, such as the crayfish, also have a negative effect.