The risks of freshwater shortages
With its long and successful history of water management, the availability of freshwater in the Netherlands should go without saying. However, the country experienced extremely dry years in 2018 and 2022 and the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management concluded in a letter to parliament in 2024 that freshwater availability would become increasingly problematic in the years ahead.
The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute has predicted that protracted periods of drought will become more frequent. Regular freshwater scarcity would bring the risk of reduced drinking water intake, an increase in wildfires, lower farm production and energy and industrial shortfalls.
In 2015, the government responded by introducing the Freshwater Delta Plan. It includes measures to prevent freshwater shortages in normal years and strengthen drought resilience in extremely dry years.
What are we auditing?
The Freshwater Delta Plan was launched 10 years ago. What results have been achieved? The Netherlands Court of Audit is investigating whether the minister is implementing the plan’s measures as intended. We will determine what measures have been completed and what are behind schedule and identify the causes of delays. We will also analyse the risks of failure to achieve the desired results.
Why are we carrying out this audit?
If the minister does not have sufficient insight into the results of the Freshwater Delta Plan, he will be unable to resolve problems in freshwater availability . There are also uncertainties regarding the damage, cost and consequences to society of freshwater shortages. It is accordingly difficult to assess the policy’s impact and adapt measures where necessary. Our audit will add to the knowledge needed to do so.
Do you want to take part in this audit?
The Court of Audit invites you to share any information you may have that would benefit our audit. We appreciate all contributions, knowledge and experience you may care to share with us on this topic. Simply send an email to bijdrage@rekenkamer.nl.
We read all emails carefully and treat them in confidence. However, we are not able to reply to every contribution we receive.