Our vision on
The water transition
The future of water is challenging. In the Netherlands, we are increasingly experiencing extreme flooding, heat and drought problems, and freshwater shortages. How do we ensure safe, sufficient, and clean water? And how do we ensure sufficient high-quality water? Not only for ourselves, but also for nature and for future generations. In short, we are committed to working on all aspects of the water system: both in terms of quality and quantity. Together, we can get the transition moving.
What is the problem with water?
Water seems like a given. It comes out of the tap, flows in ditches and rivers, and is always there. But that image is no longer accurate. The water system in the Netherlands and many other places is creaking and groaning. Climate change, urbanization, and intensive use are pushing the system to its limits. For years, we have managed and controlled water. Now it is forcing us to look at things differently. There are two major challenges:
The limits of the water system
We have designed our water system in such a way that it has functioned under human control for many years. However, it now appears that this system has reached its limits. During periods of heavy rainfall, the soil can become saturated and groundwater levels rise, making it increasingly difficult to build and live in certain areas. At the same time, prolonged droughts cause water shortages and soil salinization. Polders are sometimes so deep that it is becoming increasingly difficult to regulate water levels properly. We are literally and figuratively reaching the limits of our ability to control nature. There is a clear need to make room for water and to take natural processes into account more, rather than trying to control them completely. This means that we will have to make different choices in the Netherlands.
The quality of the water
In addition to the quantity of water, its quality is also a growing concern. We use drinking water not only for drinking, but also for flushing toilets, watering gardens, and washing cars. This puts increasing pressure on scarce clean water resources. Furthermore, the water we return to nature is often polluted, for example by medicine residues, agricultural pesticides, or industrial waste. The question is whether we are taking sufficient care to ensure the purity of our water. Clean water is essential for our health, nature, and food supply, but it does not always receive the priority it deserves. We are faced with the challenge of fundamentally rethinking our approach to water. A true water transition, in which sufficient and clean water is central.
Our approach
At &flux, we work together with our clients and partners to make the water transition concrete and feasible. From strategy to realization: we ensure that plans do not remain on paper, but actually make an impact.
Water as an integral theme
Water affects everything: living, working, nature, health, the transition of rural areas, and energy transition. It is about sufficient water, clean water, and space for water. We are increasingly realizing that we cannot continue to work against the system, but must move with the natural system. At &flux, we help parties to approach water as a connecting theme. We identify responsibilities, make clear choices, and connect parties around logical goals.
Why work with &flux?
The water transition requires vision, cooperation, and action. At &flux, we combine strategic expertise with a practical approach. We help organizations realize their ambitions and really get the water transition moving. Our strength lies in translating complex tasks into clear plans and concrete results. We identify needs and solutions and make them feasible. No plans that remain on paper, but projects that really get off the ground.
We connect parties, create support, and ensure that everyone takes on their role and responsibility. In our projects, we work on real system change. In this way, we work together to ensure a future-proof water system.
