Proposal to split Waternet into 2 organisations
31 May 2024The executive committee of the Regional Public Water Authority Amstel, Gooi en Vecht and the Municipal Executive and alderpersons of Amsterdam recommend splitting Waternet into two water organisations. On the one hand, an organisation for the tasks of the water authorities, such as making sure the dikes are strong and there is plenty of clean water. And on the other, an organisation for tap water services and the public sewer system.
Why opt for 2 water organisations?
Waternet was born from the idea of working on the entire water cycle from a single water organisation. For safe, clean and enough (tap) water. And for a public sewer systems and dry feet. That worked very well for many, many years. However, we are facing some major challenges when it comes to water and the climate. This calls for a more targeted focus where tap water services and the work of water authorities are concerned. Splitting into 2 organisations will enable the regional water public authority and the municipality to better manage their own water services.
Cooperation remains important
The desire and need for cooperation are not in question. But such a split will allow the two organisations to work together, playing to their respective strengths. To work with each other, but also with other partners.
What is going to happen now?
- In mid-July, the general council of the regional water public authority and the Amsterdam city council will take an overall decision. This sets out in broad terms what the new organisations will look like.
- It is from this point on that the drafting stage will be set in motion. This will flesh out the details of the overall decision.
- By the end of 2024, the regional water public authority and the City of Amsterdam will reach a decision on how this will be set out. This decision specifies exactly what the split will entail.
- The start date for the implementation of the split is in 2025.
- This will be followed by the legal split.
Koen de Snoo, general manager of Waternet: "We aim for the two new water organisations to continue as independent organisations from 2026. With a focus on and sound management of their own core tasks and services. Details will be worked out over the next few months. Meanwhile, our work for residents, visitors and businesses continues as usual."
Response from the board commissioners of Waternet
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"We see great challenges ahead in the area of water. Making sure there is enough tap water, safeguarding the quality of water, protecting against flooding, torrential rainfall and drought. These are all issues that are becoming increasingly important and which we need to work on strategically.
We desperately need each other and our other water partners to do that. That means that we have to focus on content rather than structure. Both the regional water public authority and the municipality need to be able to manage their own tasks in the most optimal way. In order to beat these challenges in the best possible way.
The collaborative structure we currently have within Waternet has proven to be vulnerable. This is also the case according to the Netherlands Court of Audit and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate. That is why we are parting ways on an organisational level, but will instead strengthen strategic cooperation on our common goals. This also involves cooperation with other municipalities, businesses and residents in our management area.
Over the coming period, we will work out all the arrangements in detail together. With the aim of creating two resilient and autonomous organisations. Organisations that continue to cooperate closely with each other based on their respective tasks - and with the help of the knowledge and expertise of our wonderful staff.’ On behalf of the executive committee of the Regional Public Water Authority Amstel, Gooi en Vecht Waterschap Amstel, and the Municipal Executive and alderpersons of Amsterdam: Joyce Sylvester, chair of the Regional Water Public Authority Amstel, Gooi en Vecht |