Water Law

The regulations surrounding water law in the Netherlands are constantly changing, with new requirements on water activities, licensing and sustainable water use. At Yspeert, we provide tailor-made legal support for governments, water authorities (waterschappen) and companies dealing with complex water law issues.

1. Water safety and infrastructure
   Water authorities remain primarily responsible for flood and drought protection. The Water Authorities Act (waterschapswet) defines their core tasks, while the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet) puts additional emphasis on an integrated approach, for example in cooperation with municipalities and provinces.
2. Water quality and licensing
   Discharges to surface water and other water activities that affect water quality remain strictly regulated. Under the Water Act, many of these activities required a water permit. Since the introduction of the Environment and Planning Act, these permits have been integrated into the new system of environment and planning permits (omgevingsvergunningen). However, in specific transitional situations, such as projects started under the Water Act, the old provisions on water permits may still apply.
3. Cooperation in the physical environment
   The Environment and Planning Act directs closer cooperation between water authorities, municipalities and provinces. This promotes integrated solutions for water management, such as combined projects for urban development and water safety.
4. Room for innovation
   Water authorities have more room under the Environment and Planning Act to apply innovative solutions, such as nature-friendly banks, circular water treatment systems or urban water reuse systems. These innovations are often classified as specific water activities and require legal assurance in agreements and permits.

Our water law services

We provide legal support to municipal or provincial authorities, water authorities and companies on water law issues. Our services include:

• Advice on water authority regulations and the Water Act: We help water authorities formulate new regulations and advise on the implementation of rules within the Environment and Planning Act.
• Licensing and enforcement: We advise companies on the need to obtain permits for water activities, such as discharges or groundwater abstraction, and on the application of transitional law where a water permit may still be required under the Water Act.
• Dispute resolution: We represent clients in objection and appeal proceedings on water law issues, from permits to enforcement decisions relating to water activities.
• Strategic advice for projects: For large-scale water management projects, we provide guidance on the application of project decisions and legal safeguarding of interests

Why choose Yspeert Advocaten?

At Yspeert, we combine in-depth knowledge of the Water Act, the Environment and Planning Act and water law with practical experience. Our commitment to the Northern Netherlands and our knowledge of regional water challenges strengthen our services. Whether for advice, permits or disputes, we offer legally tenable and practical solutions.

Get in touch

Do you have questions about water law, the Water Act, water activities or situations where a water permit is still relevant? Get in touch with our specialists. We are ready to support you in water law cases.