Drinking water conservation: Water-efficient neighbourhoods
Since September 2023, we have been working on a new drinking water initiative that we are very excited about: the Water-Efficient Neighbourhoods Construction Table. In this initiative, we are working on the realisation of (new-build) neighbourhoods where drinking water-saving facilities are being installed. And this water transition is sorely needed.
De opgave van voldoende drinkwater
The task of providing sufficient drinking water
It is not a given that sufficient drinking water will remain available. Climate change, demographic developments and economic growth have led to an increase in water consumption in recent years, while the availability of sources is under pressure. At the national level, the goal is to build 900,000 new homes by 2030. The drinking water needed to connect all these homes to the drinking water network is not available.
More and more stakeholders are aware of this problem. These include not only drinking water companies and governments, but also builders, developers, installers and many others. In all these sectors, organisations are asking themselves: what can we do? Although there is an obligation to supply drinking water, this is of little value if there is nothing to supply. In addition, the current problems with the electricity grid are now common knowledge, so we can see what can happen if we wait too long to take action.
But how do you solve this problem? One thing we know for sure: no one can do it alone. And: a lot is already possible. And: not enough is being done yet. And: there are a lot of parties who are very aware of this challenge and are eager to get started.
What are we going to do?
The guide offers municipalities a useful tool for conducting a (zero) scan, which provides insight into the state of the municipality’s total green space, also in relation to its own green policy. This helps municipalities to determine the next green step. The need for support and the task at hand may differ between municipalities and provinces. Where necessary, this distinction is made in the guide. The need may also differ between municipalities. For example, one municipality may have the time and capacity to work on its own specific standards, while another may not, or to a lesser extent. The guide can be tailored and used flexibly. It is possible to interpret green percentages and (additional) qualitative requirements and/or parameters in your own way. However, you can also use the standard assurance system from this guide.
What have we already done?
The first step has been taken: we’ve presented existing water-saving solutions through an online webinar. We organized this webinar in collaboration with the Circular Water Expert Group. Curious? Watch the Water-Saving Solutions Webinar here.
The Water-Saving Solutions Webinar
The webinar discusses the most common solutions across five categories in which drinking water savings are possible. These are depicted in the water wheel.
During the webinar, advice is given on which measures are most effective in terms of water savings. It also provides insight into the potential savings for terraced houses, semi-detached houses, and apartment buildings, as well as the associated costs. Finally, the webinar provides a brief overview of health guidelines that should be observed..
Municipality of Groningen gets to work with the guide
Jacky van Geffen, policy officer for the Quality of Life programme at the municipality of Groningen, was involved in developing the guide. She indicates that her municipality will be applying the guide:
“It is important to green both public and private areas in order to combat heat and flooding and to strengthen biodiversity and the health of humans and animals. The municipality of Groningen is investigating how climate and green standards can support making our living environment healthier and more climate-proof. This is a challenging puzzle, and the guide supports the process. Furthermore, the experiences of municipalities provide valuable input for the further development of the guidelines and national policy on national guidelines and standards for greenery in and around cities.”
How was the guide developed?
The guide was developed on behalf of the Ministries of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, led by Arcadis, &Flux and in collaboration with various municipalities, provinces, green and nature organisations and other relevant stakeholders. Their knowledge and experience were utilised and the substantive requirements that the guide must meet were verified.
Status and follow-up
This tool was developed in a short period of time and is still being refined, partly on the basis of the learning agenda. Naturally, there is room for feedback from users to optimise the guide. In the coming period, the guide will therefore be further tested in practice. Municipalities are invited to start using the guide! The aim is to learn from this: what are the challenges we face? Where are improvements needed, etc.? Several municipalities have already shown interest.
