Utrecht tackles water pollution with new sewer discharge control plan
Residents of Utrecht can expect cleaner rivers and canals as local authorities team up to reduce harmful industrial discharges into sewers. The initiative targets pollutants that threaten water quality, health, and compliance with EU standards, starting with a pilot in De Meern.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Action Programme Partners | Province of Utrecht, Utrecht water boards, Utrecht Environmental Service, municipalities |
| Signatories (March 25, 2026) | Hugo Jungen (Utrecht Environmental Service), Bert de Groot (Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden) |
| Pilot Location | Oudenrijn business park, De Meern (Utrecht) |
| Pilot Duration | Until May 2026 |
| Focus of Pilot | Testing wastewater for harmful substances from industrial discharges |
| EU Directive | European Water Framework Directive |
The Province of Utrecht and its partners, including water boards and environmental services, are responsible for managing water quality and enforcing regulations to protect public health and ecosystems. This initiative aligns with their mandate to ensure compliance with national and EU water standards.
Openrijk has no cookies or ads
But could use some support
external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Collaborating to gain control over discharges into the sewer system
To improve the water quality of ditches, rivers and canals, it is important to address pollution at the source. With a joint action programme, the Province of Utrecht, the Utrecht water boards, the Utrecht Environmental Service and municipalities are working to reduce polluting substances that enter surface water via the sewer system and wastewater treatment plants. On March 25, 2026, a letter of intent was signed by Hugo Jungen, Director of the Utrecht Environmental Service, and Bert de Groot, Dike Reeve of the Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden.
Joint action programme
Wastewater treatment plants remove a lot of pollution from sewage, but not all of it. It is important to limit pollution entering the sewer system as much as possible. In particular, industrial wastewater discharges into the sewer system – so-called indirect discharges – can contain harmful chemical substances that are not fully removed. These then end up in surface water.
To bring about change, a joint Action Programme has been drawn up. The goals of the programme are to update companies' permits, strengthen supervision and enforcement, and raise awareness among businesses. In this way, we are working together to turn off the tap as much as possible to prevent pollution of surface water. The other partners will sign the letter of intent at different times.
Pilot in De Meern
An element of the joint Action Programme is a pilot at the Oudenrijn business park in De Meern (Utrecht). Until May 2026, samples will be taken from the wastewater of companies at the industrial site. Research will determine whether there are substances in the wastewater that may not be discharged because they are harmful to water quality, health or the operation of the wastewater treatment plant.
Clean water is vital
Clean and healthy water is vital for humans, plants and animals. It is the source of our drinking water, nature and agriculture. Almost all surface water contains substances that are harmful to humans and the environment. To improve water quality, many actions and measures are needed. One of these actions is to reduce harmful substances in the wastewater from businesses. These substances enter wastewater treatment plants via the sewer system and make it difficult to comply with the European Water Framework Directive.
Dike Reeve Bert de Groot of Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden (left) and Director Hugo Jungen (right) of the Utrecht Environmental Service sign the letter of intent.