Welcome to the website of the Association of Regional Water Authorities

The Association of Regional Water Authorities (Dutch: Unie van Waterschappen) is the umbrella organisation of all 25 regional water authorities in the Netherlands. The Association promotes the interests of its members both at a national and at an international level.

A majority of the policies with an impact on the core functions of the regional water authorities is made by the EU, which is why an effective promotion of interests in Europe is of the utmost importance. The Brussels Bureau was set up to represent both the Association and Vewin at relevant EU organisations.  In addition, the Association is a member of 3 European umbrella organisations: EUREAU, EUWMA and EWA.

Apart from the promotion of interests, the Association advises the member regional water authorities, draws up guidelines and model regulations and model plans and supports them with the implementation of European regulations.

The Association participates in water management research and supports international projects set up by its members. Finally, as an employers’ organisation the Association conducts negociations with the central organisation of civil servants about binding terms of employment for regional water authority personnel.

In 2011 a Governance Agreement on Water was signed to meet the challenges for the future. A clear division of responsibilities was made between the Dutch government, regional water authorities, provinces, municipalities and drinking water companies regarding monitoring and cooperation in the field of water management, benchmarking and knowledge development.