Strategic advice on WFD for De Dommel Water Board
The De Dommel Water Board has been actively committed to achieving the objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) for many years. From landscape management measures to technical upgrades to sewage treatment plants, a great deal has already been achieved. But the question is: has that been enough? And what systemic change is needed to create the water system of the future, and isn’t this actually the only way to achieve the WFD objectives? &flux is joining forces with De Dommel to seek out the evidence, reflection and strategy required to stay on course towards 2027 and beyond.
Background
The WFD targets place significant demands on water managers. The De Dommel water board also faces the challenge of providing a well-founded account of what has been done, what has and has not proved feasible, and where further efforts are still required. There is a need for an overview, reflection and the right administrative dialogue:
- What choices have been made so far, and why were they made?
- Do the efforts align with the objectives and current challenges, as outlined in the essay ‘Scherper aan de Wind’ and the ‘WFD Impulse’?
Moreover, the question is: can different choices be made in the administrative path towards the next water management plan, choices that focus less on the WFD watercourse and more on the water system as a whole?
Our approach
Together with De Dommel, we are developing a shared understanding of where the water board stands and what is needed to stay on the right track:
1. Kick-off and alignment
We begin with an intake session and gather existing information: documents, data and previous decisions.
2. Analysis and internal discussion
We map out the choices made and link them to the objectives. We carry out a baseline assessment: where do we stand, which work processes are relevant, and who is involved?
3. Reflection and staff sessions
In working sessions, we discuss with staff how work is being carried out to achieve the WFD objectives. We explain the recommendations from ‘Scherper aan de Wind’, draw links with the WFD initiative and jointly explore where reinforcement is needed.
4. Advice and support
The focus is on long-term events, such as prolonged rainfall that overloads the drainage system, or long periods of drought with a shortage of fresh water to meet demand.
5. Facilitating administrative discussions
We draw up a briefing note providing an overview of the dossier, a reflection on the past and a look ahead to the future. This forms the basis for the administrative discussions in which decisions are made regarding the course of action for the coming years.
Results
The process yields concrete insights and progress. Together with De Dommel, we are working towards:
- A reflection on our own actions, using tools such as ‘Scherper aan de Wind’ and the WFD initiative.
- A long list of potential areas of focus for WFD implementation, to inform strategic decisions.
- A widely supported policy document that serves as the basis for administrative decision-making.
- Strengthened internal collaboration and greater clarity on where administrative, legal or procedural reinforcement is needed.
- And above all: a well-prepared discussion on what remains to be done and how De Dommel can stay on course towards the WFD objectives, with an approach that is more than the sum of its WFD measures.
With this approach, &flux helps De Dommel not only to account for what has been done, but above all to look ahead. Together with partners, in dialogue with the community and with an eye to administrative feasibility, we are working on a strategy that is robust enough to bring the WFD objectives closer. In this way, De Dommel remains on course and future oriented, even beyond 2027.
