Water drijft ARCADIS - Dispuut Watermanagement

Vol. 18 / 3 - 2008
Sponsor Index
Alewijnse
Arcadis Nederland
BAM Civiel
Deltares
DHV
Duinwaterbedrijf Zuid-Holland
ECO-job
HKV Lijn in water
Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland
Hydrologic BV Bijna iedereen die in Noord-Holland woont of werkt,
Ingenieursbureau
Amsterdam
gebruikt water van PWN. Jaarlijks stroomt 105
ITT Water
Wastewater
miljoen&kubieke
meter drinkwater via een leidingnet
van 10.000 kilometer naar 720.000 huishoudens,
Nelen & Schuurmans
bedrijven en instellingen. Waterzuivering vindt plaats
PWN
in Andijk, Bergen, Heemskerk, Wijk aan Zee en in
Royal de
Haskoning
duinen. Daarnaast beheert PWN in opdracht van
de
provincie Noord-Holland diverse natuurgebieden,
VEWIN
waaronder grote delen van het duingebied, van
Vitens
Wareco
Page 25
Page 4 and 25
Page 25
Page 2 and 13
Page 17
Page 12
Page 19
Page 2 and 16
Page 17
Page 17
Zandvoort tot Bergen. Zeven miljoen keer per jaar
Page 25
brengen inwoners en bezoekers van de provincie
Page 17
een bezoek
aan deze gebieden. Als monopolist in
ons voorzieningsgebied hebben wij een grote verPage 23
antwoordelijkheid: betrouwbaar water leveren tegen
Page 2 and 32
een goede prijs en een uitmuntende dienstverlening
Pagevoor
12 onze klanten.
verzorgen
Page 17
Wil je meer weten over PWN kijk dan op www.pwn.nl
Page 21
Page 25
Waar komt jouw
water vandaan?
2
Colofon
Volume 18, Number 3, November 2008
The ‘Druppel’ is a magazine of the student
society of water management of the TU Delft.
The magazine is published three times a year.
Editors:
Marieke de Goede
Stijn de Jong
Robin Harder
In cooperation with:
Printing
Thieme Media Services
The ‘Druppel’ is distributed to
all members of the
‘Dispuut Watermanagement’
Faculty of Civil Engineering
and Geosciences
Contact:
Dispuut Watermanagement
Room 4.74
Stevingweg 1
2628 CN Delft
Telephone 015 - 278 42 84
E-mail
dispuut.watermanagement@ct.tudelft.nl
Internet
www.dispuutwatermanagement.nl
Dear reader,
After a very nice summer and the first quarter of the
new academic year, we proudly present you the third
Druppel of 2008.
This Druppel contains stories and pictures of all the activities that took place since the last Druppel was published. The activities were various, the most important
being the study tour to Argentina, the windmill tour, an
excursion to Heineken, and a field trip to the Schelde…
This of course means that there are a lot of nice stories
to tell! Moreover, two new committees were formed,
which will be introduced in this Druppel.
Besides that, we have asked various people to contribute an article to this Druppel. Jules van Lier, the
new Professor in Environmental/Wastewater Engineering will introduce himself and tell something about his
ideas. Furthermore, former graduates of the TU Delft
write about their ‘life after graduation’. Finally, some
companies were asked to report on new developments
they are busy with.
We would like to thank everybody for their contribution
to this Druppel and hope to see you soon on the next
cookie break. Enjoy reading!
Marieke, Stijn and Robin
3
Water drijft ARCADIS
Wat drijft jou?
Ondernemen in een complexe
Waterveiligheid, wateroverlast, watertekort, water-
omgeving maar met overzicht,
kwaliteit en vaarwater. Stuk voor stuk belangrijke onder-
betrokkenheid en verstand van
werpen die mee bepalen hoe we wonen en werken in ons
zaken. Resultaatgericht: iedereen
zegt het, slechts enkelen maken
het waar. ARCADIS: infrastructuur
– milieu – gebouwen. Los van elkaar
maar ook integraal. We geven de
laaggelegen land. ARCADIS werkt actief aan de meest
relevante watervraagstukken in Nederland en daarbuiten.
Van de Deltacommissie tot de Tweede Maasvlakte, van
Water in de stad tot de stormvloedkering in New Orleans.
samenleving vorm door creatief te
zijn in onze oplossingen en
daadkrachtig in de uitvoering.
Als medewerker van ARCADIS
verlaat je gebaande paden. Je bent
onderdeel van een netwerk van
zakelijke professionals. Ingericht
Met veel plezier en vol energie pakken we die watertaken aan.
We maken graag het verschil. Als water ook jouw drijfveer is,
neem dan contact op met René Teiken, recruiter divisie Water
tel. 06-5073 6710. Kijk voor mogelijkheden voor (afstudeer-)
stages of vacatures op onze website:
www.werkenbijarcadis.nl
ARCADIS heeft haar kennis op het gebied van water gebun-
rondom klanten, zodat deze direct
deld. De divisie Water adviseert en begeleidt opdrachtgevers
profiteren van onze kennis en
en partners op het gebied van kusten & rivieren, havens &
ervaring.
vaarwegen, regionaal & stedelijk water. Sterk in strategisch
Wij brengen ideeën tot leven.
advies, technisch ontwerp, planvorming, inrichting, model-
Jij ook?
studies, procesmanagement, uitvoering en besluitvorming.
Gericht op het resultaat. Dát drijft ARCADIS.
Imagine the result
Table of Contents
Sponsor Index Colofon
Table of Contents
From the Board
Upcoming Events
2
3
5
6
7
Argentina Study Tour
Windmill Tour 2008
Field Trip Hydrology
Heineken Excursion
New Committees
New Professor on Environmental/Wastewater Engineering
8
9
10
11
12
14
Jules van Lier
HKV Consultants - Growing in Water Management
17
Bertus de Graaff
Back to School
18
Marie-claire ten Veldhuis
ECO-job Goes International
19
Xander de Graaf
Vitens Water Technology: Innovative and Trendsetting
20
Corine Willemse
Life After Graduation
22
Wytze Schuurmans
Bank Manager, Circus Director, or Still Rather Water Manager? 24
Ivo Miltenburg
2D Modelling Essential for Regional Water Management
26
Maarten Spijker and Marlies Zantvoort
Combining Energy Crisis and Biofuels with MSc Thesis
30
Roel Blesgraaf
Water Board Elections?
31
Roel Blesgraaf and Guido van der Wedden
5
Vol. 18 / 3 - 2008
From the Board
by Stijn de Jong and Koen Hilgersom
Dear reader,
done with our job for the board. At the end of this month
we make place for some enthusiastic new board members.
It has been three months
This will refresh the board, but also refresh the possible ideas
since the last Druppel ap-
about what the Dispuut can mean for its members in the
peared. In this time a new
future.
study year started and a lot
For us it was a very good year with maybe even the nic-
of new faces made their entrance into the department. We’re
est event this summer. The Argentina trip was very cool and
talking about new students, but also of a new professor. We
we’ve seen pretty much of how water is managed in Argen-
will get to know this new professor later on in this maga-
tina. Of course the local surroundings were also helpful to
zine.
make this trip to an unforgettable event. At the moment by
the way a new committee with great ideas is already working
Over the past few months the faculty of Civil Engineering
on next year’s trip that will not go as far as the one to Argen-
changed visually. A new park is appearing on the place where
tina, but probably will provide at least as much fun.
there used to be parking lots. Within the parks there is a nice
network of pavements and cycling lanes replacing the old
As you have read there are a lot of changes going on at
Mekelweg that was a straight line through the TU campus.
the faculty, the department of water management and the
The coming years there will be other rebuildings to the fac-
Dispuut. This is completely in line with what’s happening in
ulty, in expecially on the lower floors where a completely new
the Netherlands at the moment. The Netherlands is looking
entrance is to be created.
for new ways to protect itself from the consequences of cli-
In the area of education the faculty changed as well. A new
mate change in the future. As a start the new Deltacommit-
Bachelor curriculum started that introduces the minors to
tee presented the findings of its research at the beginning of
this study. Another new phenomenon that Bachelor students
September.
need to deal with is the ‘harde knip’, meaning that one has
This Deltacommittee is a follow-up of an earlier Deltacom-
to finish the Bachelor curriculum first before starting with the
mittee, that was set up after the disastrous North Sea flood
Master. Besides also the Master curriculum is reviewed, we
of 1953. This first Deltacommittee was especially focused on
hope to tell you more about that in the near future.
building large defense structures, like the Oosterscheldekering, that protect our country from see floods.
Within the faculty of Civil Engineering, water management
The new committee was not brought together after a large
is doing very well. This for example appears from well filled
disaster occurred but to prevent from future disasters occur-
classes and the number of subscriptions the Dispuut had at
ring because of climate change. This committee is not look-
the beginning of the study year.
ing at large structures but at the total spatial and functional
To get all the new students involved into water management
implementation of water in the Dutch landscape. The Delta-
and familiar with the Dispuut, there have already been some
committees have a difference in origin and an other way to
activities. Think of the windmill tour with a large number of
achieve their objectives, but in fact their goal is the same:
students from abroad (unfortunately there was even more
create a safe environment for every inhabitant of the Neth-
interest than places available), but also of a well visited first
erlands.
borrel of the new study year.
What’s also new is the weekly cookie break. Every Tuesday
members and people from the department are very welcome
at the Dispuut for some coffee and cookies. It’s nice to see
that so many people use this opportunity to speak colleagues
and students.
When writing about these new things taking place the time
has almost come that we, authors of this article, are almost
6
High river discharge
Like
Professor
the direct physical damage. It is not imaginary that the Dutch
already
community, as we know it today, would stop to exist after a
pointed out in his
real big calamity. To prevent this it was necessary to create a
farewell speech on
set of measures. There is no other choice, unless we want to
the 18th of Novem-
flood the country and all emigrate.
Brouwer
ber 2005, it is ab-
High water after extreme rainfall
solutely necessary
When Brouwer wrote his farewell speech the government
to
precau-
was talking about an amount of 742 billion Euro over the pe-
tions. A flooding
riod 2007 to 2020 to protect the Netherlands from the danger
from the big rivers
of floodings. This left professor Brouwer rather cynical: ‘a
and the sea after
heavy load to the community of 4 Euro per person per year!’
a
breakthrough
It seems like the government listened to him. In the advice
of the high water
of the Deltacommittee they accepted the threat is taken more
barriers would result
serious: here is spoken of about 100 Euro per person per
in a damage that is
year. That is of course just only peanuts for the protection of
take
difficult to quantify. The amount of water that goes inland,
the nation’s existence.
the chaos and the panic it creates, the loss of lives and pro-
An existing strong economy as ours should be capable of
duction recourses, the bankruptcies of insurance banks and
bearing this load for the next generation. Let’s hope that the
mortgage banks, the loss of employment and the image dam-
financial crisis won’t hit us too hard.
age of the Netherlands as a trusted investment country could
result in a total damage that is way larger than the sum of
Koen & Stijn
Upcoming Events
Dispuut Watermanagement
Cookie Break
Every Tuesday
Active Members Day 14th of November
Board Change 18th of November
Company Case DHV
November / December
Symposium 2009
March / April 2009
Short Study Tour ‘09 April / May 2009
7
Vol. 18 / 3 - 2008
Study Tour Argentina
In July 2008 a group of 17 students and 3 employees of the
On this page just a few pictures to get an impression of a
Department of Water Management travelled through Argen-
study trip full experiences. If you want to read more , go to:
tina. During three weeks we visited several projects, were
http://www.dispuutwatermanagement.nl/?link=studytours
stunned by the beautiful nature, enjoyed the very nice and
and click on Argentina for the full report.
enthusiastic Argentinean people and of course there delicious
food.
8
Cheryl, Ruben, Ruben, Stijn (Trip Committee 2008)
ost famous windmill field in the Kinderdijk. 15 students participated in this trip.
ng at that afternoon but fortunately the sky was fairly clear, which gave us a very
y the beautiful Dutch landscape and to be acquainted with some history of the
eld
trip for both Dutch and international
Soon after, all our attention was draw by the magnificent windmills!
in this country.
ijk. 15 students participated in this trip.
Here perhaps only language was not enough to describe its beauty and
sky wasWindmill
fairly clear, which
gave
a very
Tour
tousKinderdijk
attractiveness. Although after so many year all these windmill were
by Xingcan
Cui
be acquainted
with
some history of the
still well maintained by the Dutch government and the local people
here. We had the lucky to visit one of the windmill during this trip
On 15th September
which
werebuild
used
store
equipments,
the structures
way that and
Dutch
which was
in to
1738,
seeing
all the inner
how
the Dispuut Water-
people
constructed
origin
ofgears
Dutch
exactly was
the windmillcanals,
functionand
in theeven
wind. the
Through
huge
and
management organ-
troughs water was pumped out from the lower swamp to a reservoir in
doorplates!
ised a field trip for
higher altitude. Another interesting site was a sand sculpture among
both Dutch and in-
the after,
windmills
which
Soon
all our attention
ternational students
illustrate
theby
origin
the
was
drawn
the of
magnifi-
name of the Kinderdijk. Legend said that in the great flood in
to one of the most famous windmill fields in the Kinderdijk.
cent windmills! Here per-
1421 a baby was saved by a cat who kept the cradle floating
Fifteen students participated in this trip. The wind was pretty
haps only language was
above water until local people found it. That explained the
strong at that afternoon but fortunately the sky was fairly
not enough to describe its
clear, which gave us a very good opportunity to enjoy the
beauty and attractiveness.
Soon after, all our atten
name of Kinderdijk which means “Cat in the Cradle”.
st
the
be a country
whichDutch
suffered
from flood
in history.
On Feb
1 1953,Although
beautiful
landscape
andfrequently
to be acquainted
with
some
es, which
breached
coastal
dykes heritage
and dunes
in the
south-western province
history
of thethe
most
important
in this
country.
years
Here perhaps only langu
after so many
all these windmill
000 hectares land inundated and more than 1800 people died, and the large
were still well maintained
Soon after, all our attention was
draw by the magnificent
win
attractiveness.
Although
Here perhaps only language was not enough to describe its beau
still well maintained by
attractiveness. Although after so many year all these windmil
00 people
eastern and center
country
in suffered
1995 duefrom
to catastrophic
TheinNetherlands
used topart
be of
a your
country
which
by the Dutch government
here.government
We hadand
the
still well maintained by the Dutch
thelucky
local
flood
frequently
in history.
On Feb 1st
springTotide
and the local people here.
use rivers
must
have touched
this country
and 1953,
peoplethe
deeply.
prevent those
here. We had the lucky to visit one of the windmill during th
which was build in 173
which was build in 1738, seeing all the inner structures an
fierce
gales,
which
breached
coastal their
dykeshomes
and dunes
We had the luck to visit one
exactly was the windmill
g again,and
Dutch
people
tried
every
meansthe
to protect
and farmlands,
exactly was the windmill function in the wind. Through huge gea
the
requently
in history.
On Feb
1st 1953,
in
the
south-western
province
of
Zeeland,
causing
162,000
of
the
windmills
during
this
trip
which
was
build
in
1738,
seetroughs water was pumped out
from the
lower
swamp
a reser
troughs
water
wastopump
h were used to pump out sea water from the inland, are one of the most famous
higher
altitude.
Another
site was a sand sculpture a
hectares
ofsouth-western
land to be inundated
and more than 1800 fataliing all the inner structures and
how
exactly
the interesting
windmill
nd
dunes
inbuilding
the
province
higherwas
altitude. Another
years
those
were protecting
the Dutch people well against flood while
the
windmills
which
ties. The large scale evacuation of 250,000 people in the eastfunctioning in the wind. Through huge gears and troughs wawindmills
wh
ecountry
than 1800
died,view.
and the large
with apeople
magnificent
illustrate the origin of the the
ern and central part of the country in 1995 due to catastrophter was
pumped out from the lower swamp to a reservoir at a
name of the Kinderdijk. Legend said that in the great flood in illustrate the origin of
your country in 1995 due to catastrophic
Meanwhile,
the beautiful
was1421
something
that
I have
here!
As you
may already
well
ic flood of the Rhine and Meuse rivers must
have touched
thislandscape
higher
altitude.
Another
was
a sand
sculpture
a baby was
saved
by interesting
a to
catmention
who kept site
the cradle
floating
name of the Kinderdijk. Legend said that in the great floo
ibition
hall
with delicious
Dutch
biscuit those
above
until
people
found
it. That
explained
the its nature land
ntry
and
people
deeply.
prevent
Netherlands
is a very beautiful
country.
The local
beauty
of this
land
is not
only
from
country
and
peopleTo
deeply.
To preventaware,
those the
calamities
from
among
thewater
windmills
which
illustrates
the
origin
of the name
1421
baby“Cat
was
saved
by
name of Kinderdijk
whichameans
in the
Cradle”.
m the Kinderdijk gave us a detailed
a cat who kept the cradle float
view but
also from
the amazingly of
combination
of nature
elements
andthat
human
heritage.
happening
Dutch
tried every
means
to protect
the Kinderdijk.
A legend
said
in the
great Here
floodeverything
in 1421
ns to protect
theiragain,
homes
andpeople
farmlands,
above
water
until
local
people
found
it. That explained
history their
of this
field
and
why
those
is
structured
in
harmoniously
order.
And
the
windmill,
I
must
say,
is
one
of
the
symbols
of
this
homes
and of
farmlands,
these windmills, which were
a baby was saved by a cat who kept the cradle floatingharmony.
above
m the inland,
are one
the mostand
famous
Here in this country, wind, water, windmill and people
together
consisted of
a scenic
picture!
name
of
Kinderdijk
which
means
“Cat in the Cradle”.
the local
people,
andout
then
we from
visited
used
to pump
water
the inland,
are one of the most
water until local people
found
it.
he Dutch people well against flood while
on foot.
Actually
I felt that
most
famous
specialties.
Forthe
years
and years those buildings were
history of
local water
should
protecting
theboard
Dutchthat
people
well against flooding while sym-
Meanwhile,
the
bolised thisofbeautiful
with a magnificent view.
e management
these country
windmills,
beautiful
on the wall which at first was wrongly
was something that
landscape
trip began
in interesting
I have to mention
people who were executed at this place! I still The
remembered
many
the exhibition hall
here! As you may al-
out the conflict between local people and water board, the buildings which were
with delicious Dutch
beautiful landscape was something that I have to mention here! As you may alread
readyMeanwhile,
be welltheaware,
biscuit and coffee.
aware, the Netherlands is a very beautiful country. The beauty of this land is not only from its natur
the Netherlands
is a
A lady from the
very isbeautiful
counstructured in harmoniously order. And the windmill, I must say, is one of the symbols of this har
s, the way that Dutch people constructed canals and even the origin of Dutch
Kinderdijk gave us
view but also from the amazingly combination of nature elements and human heritage. Here ever
try. The
of this
Herebeauty
in this country,
wind, water, windmill and people together consisted of a scenic picture!
a detailed introduc-
land is not only from
tion about the his-
its nature land view
tory of this field and why those windmills were vital for the
the beautiful landscape was something that I h
but also from Meanwhile,
the
local
people, and many
then we
visited some of those windmills
ce! I still
remembered
interesting
by foot. Actually I felt that the most interesting part was the
nd water board, the buildings which were
history of the local water board that should be responsible
ted canals and even the origin of Dutch
for the management of the windmills, especially those names
aware, the Netherlands is a very beautiful country. The bea
amazing combination
view but also from the amazingly combination of nature el
of nature elements
is structured in harmoniously order. And the windmill, I mu
and human heritage.
Here
on the wall which at first was wrongly understood by us as
everythingHere
is in this country, wind, water, windmill and people tog
structured in an har-
the people who were executed at this place! I still remember
monious order. And the windmill, I must say, is one of the
many interesting stories that happened there about the con-
symbols of this harmony. Here in this country, wind, water,
flict between local people and the water board, the buildings
windmill and people together consisted of a scenic picture!
9
Vol. 18 / 3 - 2008
Schelde Tour - A Hydrological Field Trip
by Philip Stive
The day started with a lecture by professor Savenije during
we agreed he would do instead of helping with cooking and
the morning. As always he did this vividly, but in great detail
dish washing.
and at the end we were ready to put his theory to the test.
At our bridge some of the floats were launched. The floats
At around 13:00 we left the
were dropped in the water at HWS. Immediately the Ferrari
faculty in three vans. Of
took the lead! The problem was it was rushing into some big
course I chose the slowest
bushes… So the glory of the Ferrari was very short…
van. We had a trailer with
all the bikes, so we could
After this spectacular moment the rest of the day consisted
only drive 80km/h. This re-
of doing the measures for the velocity and the water height.
sults in getting overtaken
We had a few “interpolation moments” during which we
by trucks… When we final-
drank coffee or saw how the measures at the other bridges
ly arrived we went to one
went. During the day the weather became worse and worse.
of the bridges where Wim
When we were fi-
gave a short explanation of
nally finished we
the methods to be used the day after. It was raining a bit so
were completely
we quickly went back to the holiday house. Nobody knew
drowned…
than that the day after would be much worse… from a rainfall
we were off to
point of view that is.
the house where
But
some nice beers
Back in the house the cooking started. Of course we also had
were awaiting us!
a few beers, after professor Savenije gave the unofficial start
for that by dragging a box of beers inside and putting it on
In the house there was a lot of talk going on from all the big
the table!
adventures of the day. Combine this with beer and a diverse
group of people and you have a really great time! Dinner this
During the diner the floats of everyone were presented.
night was Chinese, and since we had a few experts with us,
There were of course numerous creations and everyone had
it was very nice!
different reasons why his or her would be the best the day after. Jan actually copied my design and thereby created what
At around eleven o’clock we ran out of beer. The only option
would later become the Ferrari of the floats…
was to go to a café. It was raining, it was a very long walk,
but it was worth it. We found a cozy Belgium café with cheap
The rest of the evening we chatted a lot. With all these differ-
beer. We stayed there until 2 o’clock. After a long walk back
ent nationalities there is a lot to talk about! But, since we had
everyone was tired and went off to bed.
to get up really early the next day, at around eleven o’clock
most of us were already in bed.
The next morning we had to leave the house at 9 o’clock already. So everyone was up early. After a good breakfast and
Waking up was
some cleaning we were off! Only a two hour drive and we
between 5 and
would be back in Delft again.
7 depending on
which group you
This concluded the Hydrology field trip. I must conclude that
were
After
it was a very nice weekend where we combined science with
a good break-
in.
great fun. This actually is true for the whole master. You
fast
everyone
know most of the people and are more involved than during
was off to their
the bachelor. Due to this you have more fun but also study
bridges or bicycles. For our group professor Savenije made
harder! Personally I am really enjoying the master and am
a really big bag of ‘boterhammen’ to eat during lunch! This
already looking forward to the field trip to Luxembourg!
10
Excursion to Heineken in Den Bosch
by Josanne Derks
Since 95% of beer consists of water, the Dispuut had organised a third-year excursion to the Heineken brewery on Tuesday October 14th. Unfortunately not many third-year Bachelor students were able to attend, so the Dispuut invited a
number of Master students to come. Of course we would not
want to miss the chance to see how our beers are made!
Just after lunchtime we were received by Peter Slegtenhorst,
who works as a process controller at Heineken’s water treatment installation. He explained that on average 6 liters of
water are used for the production of 1 liter of beer, and that
the quality of that water should be high. Heineken pumps
(partly) filled gas tank is overlooked. When the bodywork
up ground water and treats it with several filtration steps: a
is crushed, the gas tank explodes, something that happens
‘candlefilter’ followed by nano filtration. The candlefilter con-
several times a week!
sists of vertical cotton sheets (the candles) and removes the
larger suspended materials after which the effluent is further
The next event for today was a tour through the brewery. We
polished by the nano filtration. The building that houses the
were received by Jan Bertrums and Norbert, the guide, and
filters was large when compared to the surface area of the
taken to a nice bar where the cold, liquid gold was waiting for
filter systems. Peter explained that the water was previously
us! An interesting video about Heineken, the company’s his-
treated by pressurised sand filters that take up a lot more
tory and the brewing process was showed. We were all very
space – they were out of use but still standing outside – but
excited to go and see the brewery. We boarded a nice green
the building remained.
Heineken bus that drove us around the brewery. Most of the
process takes place in closed vessels, so not much to see
After the ‘front’ treatment Peter took us to the wastewater
there. The packaging area is where it all happened, a sort of
treatment facility. As said before, the process of brewing uses
How-it’s-made for students! Bottles and cans were lining up
a lot of water so the wastewater flow is high. This wastewater
to be filled, as well as caps. We saw machines folding boxes
originating from the brewery does not contain any sewage but
and of course a lot of green crates passing by!
of course contains a lot of organic material that needs to be
removed before the water can be discharged. The treatment
At Heineken Den Bosch all the special beers (like ‘bok-beer’
consists of filtration, sedimentation and anaerobic digestion
are brewed), but also regular Heineken for the Dutch market
in large silos. The water is treated to a level of 70% and
and the international market. Norbert explained that many
then transported to the wastewater plant where it is further
people think that their Heineken beer tastes different in a
treated together with domestic wastewater. When Peter was
foreign country and think that it is different beer. This a fairy
explaining about the biogas that is produced in the anaerobic
tale: the beer from the green bottle (export) is exactly the
digestion process, a large explosion took place! We were all
same as the beer from the brown bottle (domesticl)!
in shock by this large bang, the fireball and the smoke! Fortunately it was nothing serious: a nearby car demolition plant
After the tour around the brewery, the cold ones were waiting
crushes the ‘empty’ bodywork of the cars and sometimes a
for us again. We could order any beer that Heineken brews:
Heineken, Amstel, Wieckse Witte, Wieckse Rosé, Murphy’s,
Bok etc. Was it just me or has my beer never tasted this
fresh before?! After a few more beers and a lot of ‘bitterballen’ and other snacks from the deep fryer, the excursion was
finished.
All in all it was a fun and very interesting day at the Heineken
brewery thanks to Peter, Norbert and Jan the bar tender!
11
Vol. 18 / 3 - 2008
New Committees
Dispuut Watermanagement
Symposium Committee
Study Tour Committee
With the new academic year a new symposium committee
About two weeks after the symposium committee, there was
is born:
a second committee having its kickoff-meeting: the MDE ‘09
Back row left to right:
Madison Condon
Marieke de Goede
Gieljam Schutgens
Front row left to right:
Gerben Tommassen
Nikolaas van Balkom
Jan Talsma
committee.
It consists of (from top to bottom) Robin Harder,
Efthymia Foka, Bart Bergmans, Philip Stive, and
Anke Poelstra.
The one week study tour will take place during
the May vacations, but the destination has not
We are already working since one month, and after brain-
yet been decided upon. During the first meeting,
storming on several themes and speaking with different pro-
various countries or regions were mentioned to
fessors and people who work and study in the world of water
which we could possibly travel. Since we are
management, we can already announce that the Symposium
organising a study trip for water management
2009 will be dedicated to “Transboundary water manage-
students, we should envisage a region that of-
ment”. The history of water is full of examples of both water
fers diverse and interesting projects related to
wars and cooperation. But, rivers and water resources know
the field of water managment. We selected four
nothing about political boundaries. The issue is therefore al-
possible destinations and are currently busy
ways vital and up-to-date, that is why the same subject will
with finding interesting projects. Once we have
be also discussed at the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul.
a rough idea what kind of projects we can expect in the respective regions, we can choose
Nevertheless, the issue is too wide and full of different aspects
the most promising package. As soon as we
that cannot be discussed as it is. We are therefore looking for
have decided upon where the trip will go to, the
a particular aspect of the whole problem, and presently we
actual organisation needs to start. That means organising
are filling a list of possible speakers and related subjects in
transport, accomodation, projects, sponsors, but also pro-
order to gain a deeper insight into the possible sub-theme.
moting the tour among the students.
A new section of the “Dispuut Watermanagement” web site
We hope that, like us, you are also looking forward to an
will be opened as soon as possible, in order to inform you all
exciting study tour in the coming May holidays. Keep an open
about this incredible adventure which we hope you will join,
eye on our homepage, where we will announce further de-
both writing us remarks and suggestions for our work, and of
tails, once they are available.
course participating to the Symposium in the coming spring.
More news will follow, we hope you will follow them as
well!!
12
Werken tussen wetenschap
en praktijk
Op 1 januari 2008 hebben WL | Delft Hydraulics,
GeoDelft, de unit Bodem en Grondwater van TNO
en delen van Rijkswaterstaat hun krachten in een
onafhankelijk instituut voor deltatechnologie,
Deltares gebundeld.
Deltares
biedt
innovatieve
oplossingen
voor
water- en ondergrondvraagstukken, die het leven
Deltares is op zoek naar talentvolle mensen. Bij Deltares kom
je terecht in een informele dynamische omgeving. Onze
professionals doen praktijkgericht onderzoek en geven
specialistisch advies in binnen- en buitenland aan
opdrachtgevers die de allerlaatste kennisontwikkelingen
toegepast willen zien. Ze adviseren de overheid en relaties bij
het zoeken naar oplossingen die rekening houden met
maatschappelijke ontwikkelingen.
in delta’s, kust- en riviergebieden veilig, schoon en
duurzaam maken.
Door de koppeling met de kennis van WL | Delft
Hydraulics op het gebied van watervraagstukken,
die van GeoDelft op het gebied van dijken, wegen
en ondergronds bouwen, die van TNO op het
gebied van ondergrond en grondwater en die van
RWS op het gebied van integraal waterbeheer,
ruimtelijke ontwikkeling en bestuurlijke processen
ontstaat
een
internationaal
toonaangevend
instituut op het gebied van deltatechnologie waar
Projecten bevatten altijd nieuwe uitdagingen. Door kennis en
ervaring te delen verleg je grenzen en breng je ideeën tot
leven. Kennisontwikkeling doe je in-house of in samenwerking
met collega’s uit het netwerk.
Iedere medewerker - zowel in het primaire als in het
secundaire proces - draagt bij aan onze innovatieve
oplossingen. Je collega’s zijn divers: starters, bèta- en
gamma-specialisten, economen, ecologen…. Nationale en
internationale professionals zorgen voor een goede sfeer op
de werkvloer en maken werken bij Deltares tot een wereldse
ervaring.
technologie én maatschappij centraal staan.
Bij Deltares kun je zelf je carrière uitstippelen. Of je nu
projectleider wordt of expert op je vakgebied of een beetje van
allebei, dat is je eigen keuze. Zoek je een functie bij een
Nederlands topinstituut met een internationale reputatie?
Kijk dan bij onze vacatures. Ook biedt Deltares jaarlijks plaats
aan vele stagiairs.
www.deltares.nl
info@deltares.nl
Vol. 18 / 3 - 2008
New Professor on Environmental/Wastewater Engineering
After the retirement of Prof. ir. Jaap van der Graaf, the Department of Water Management of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and
Geosciences of Delft University of Technology announced a vacant professorship in Environmental/Wastewater Engineering. In
connection with this vacancy, the chair of wastewater treatment was considerably enhanced with regard to the pensum of the
professorship, namely from 20% to 80%. Since the Department works closely together with UNESCO-IHE (Department of Water
Supply and Sanitation), both in research and education, it was envisaged that the new professor will obtain a co-nomination
(20%) at UNESCO-IHE to further stimulate synergy and to share costs and benefits.
Prof. dr. ir. Jules van Lier was selected as the final candidate and will start his new position as Professor in Wastewater/Environmental Engineering at TU Delft per 1st of November 2008. We asked him to introduce himself and to write about his motivation,
visions, and future plans.
My name is Jules van Lier, I
the passed decades, we more and more realise that waste
was born in 1963 in Reuver
streams contain valuable compounds. By developing technol-
(Limburg). I’m very happy be-
ogies that recover valuable products from the waste streams
ing selected as the final can-
to be treated we create another incentive for implementing
didate to fill the vacant posi-
treatment techniques, meanwhile preventing environmental
tion ‘Professor in Wastewater/
pollution!!!
Environmental Engineering’ at
Now things really get interesting, not only for our Western
TUD in combination with an
societies but particularly for countries developing their econ-
0.2 input at Unesco-IHE.
omies. Taking anaerobic treatment again as an example, it is
of interest to know that a distillery can obtain all its energy
I started my academic career
demand from its own waste(water). With the coming short-
at Nijmegen University. But during my study I switched to
ages on fossil fuels and the global concern on greenhouse
Wageningen University, attracted by the novel insights on
gas (GHG) emissions, generating renewable fuel from waste
environmental engineering using cost-effective technologies
streams could even become a profitable business!! Cost ef-
that are designed for recovering energy and resources from
fectiveness is a very important driver in the industrial sec-
organically polluted waste streams. We are talking about the
tor. Therefore, most of these novel developments are being
anaerobic treatment technology, a technique that slowly de-
developed and implemented in cooperation with the inter-
veloped since the seventies of the last century but now is
ested industries. In the public sector decisions are gener-
recognised as a powerful tool for treating industrial and do-
ally made differently. Criteria for environmental and human
mestic wastewaters. Intrigued by this technique I decided to
health protection are agreed and technologies are developed
dedicate my PhD to it, and I started to develop national and
that meet these criteria. Costs are of less importance since
international projects in which anaerobic treatment technol-
there is no direct link between cost optimisation and an im-
ogy plays a key-role in closing water and resource cycles. For
proved profit margins for the executing institute. Moreover,
full treatment of waste streams, intertwining of the various
in the end, the tax payer will pay for the politically agreed
biological and physico-chemical technologies is absolutely
standards. However, at present, a critical view on the im-
necessary, since, depending on the type of streams we are
pact of the implemented technologies forces us to reconsider
dealing with, (enhanced) oxidative steps and physical separa-
the traditional concepts. Sure, standards are agreed and we
tion steps are required to reach the agreed standards. The
obliged ourselves to further reduce the organic and nutrient
ultimate goal of any environmental engineering intervention
pollution load to surface waters. More efficient technologies
is to prevent environmental pollution. The technological con-
to separate pollutants from waste streams will be developed.
cepts, however, cannot sustain if investment and running
But we now realise that every further sophistication in the
costs are going beyond the capacity of the local socio-eco-
conventional public sanitation sector will have a high price.
nomic condition. Where we can afford to meet the agreed
A price that we can afford but the majority of the world is
discharge standards, ‘whatever technology’ is applied, in
deprived of. For me, the real challenge is to combine techno-
most developing countries costs are simply too high to copy
logical advancements with enhanced recovery of resources,
our ‘Western’ engineering solutions. On the other hand, in
minimisation of consumptive use of resources and the lowest
14
possible costs for investments and operation. The local socioeconomic conditions will determine what type of techniques
are possible in a certain area.
What does this all mean for TU Delft and our Sanitary Engineering section in particular? We have an enormous task to
develop techniques that comply with the above mentioned
boundary conditions, here in our highly urbanised Netherlands, as well as in the large number of developing countries that are desperately seeking for adequate solutions.
Each novel intervention technology has consequences and
I’m convinced that each graduate from our university must
realise these consequences when implementing these technologies.
For instance, membrane separation techniques are ideal to
filter any pollutant from a waste stream, but if no adequate
solutions are concomitantly developed for the concentrates
we are only dealing with a partial solution. Or, if we need
fossil fuels to destruct COD, meanwhile we realise that the
energy content of 1 kg COD equals about 13.5 MJ, we have
to question ourselves weather the chosen technology is the
most appropriate. The same is true for the urban sanitation
approaches that we are implementing.
From the environmental engineering point of view, it is obvi-
Technology transfer in Yemen: Fabrication of the first anaerobic
ous that concentrated waste streams are relatively easy to
pilot reactor for the treatment of municipal wastewater.
treat in a cost-effective manner, but dilute flows are rather
discharge criteria. In addition to energy, nutrients, stabilised
difficult. So, why don’t we include novel sanitary concepts in
matter, we, of course, should also add the water itself. In the
our curriculum and research agenda?
(semi)arid climate zone, water resources are getting more
Separate collection and treatment of black water streams
and more stressed, meanwhile climate predictions forecast a
solves many problems, such as the accumulation of priority
further aggravation of this situation. I, therefore, predict that
pollutants in the environment and drinking water reservoirs,
the future wastewater/environmental engineer will become
while it opens perspectives for the recovery of energy, nu-
embedded in water chains making valuable products of con-
trients and soil conditioners from urban waste streams. The
siderable economic importance. The future water engineer
latter could be an interesting incentive to start collection and
is a chain thinker, equipped with technological tools to cre-
treatment in many of the developing countries, which are
ate solutions on request that meet the local socio-economic
currently struggling to start with the basic infrastructure.
conditions.
Recent studies have shown that converting conventional
sanitation into source oriented sanitation in the Netherlands,
I’m extremely motivated to contribute to an improved teach-
may generate 100 MW power, whereas over 2300 tons of P as
ing curricula and research agenda that include this vision as
struvite are produced. Sure, for the Dutch situation not very
it becomes part of TUD’s strategy. I hope to make use of the
impressive, whereas investments already done will not be
available knowledge and enthusiasm already available in our
destructed. But for the rapidly increasing urban areas else-
Department and the rest of our University.
where, a very interesting alternative to further develop.
If we manage to turn negative value wastes into positive
Looking for a fruitful cooperation!
value products, we create additional incentives to implement
environmental protection technologies other than the agreed
Jules van Lier
15
Bezoekadres:
Botter 11 nr. 29
Lelystad
Postbus 2120
8203 AC Lelystad
0320 294242
0320 253901
info@hkv.nl
www.hkv.nl
www.hkv.nl
Telefoon:
Telefax:
E-mail:
Internet:
HKV LIJN IN WATER is een onafhankelijk bureau voor advies
en onderzoek op het gebied van water en waterbeheer.
Wij besteden10-15% van ons budget aan onderzoek en
ontwikkeling. Met deze insteek kunnen wij studenten
volop mogelijkheden bieden voor:
afstudeerprojecten
promotiestudies
grensverleggende onderzoeken
Innovatieve ideeën worden door ons zeer op prijs gesteld.
Wij horen graag van je!
HKV CONSULTANTS - Growing in Water Management
by Bertus de Graaff, HKV Consultants
I am Bertus de Graaff and gradu-
consultants or project managers on projects. I work as a
ated from the Department of
department head for example on average 3 days/week on
Watermanagement of Delft Uni-
projects. To illustrate the projects our water management
versity of Technology in 1998. I
consultants work on, I will describe one of my last year’s
remember working very hard on
projects.
my thesis at the time, and forgetting all about near working fu-
I managed a very ambitious project by Water board Regge
ture. Luckily the university hired
and Dinkel to restore the meandering Regge. Challenging
me for an additional three months
aspects of the study were the derivation of meander char-
to do laboratory research on the
acteristics and the mitigation of negative effects on ground-
Crump-De Gruyter structure. This
water levels (drought) and flooding of urbanised areas. We
gave me some time to explore the labour market. I was look-
introduced side channels to mitigate these negative effects.
ing for a research minded consultancy firm and was attracted
After the project, the junior hydrologist saw an opportunity
to HKV CONSULTANTS immediately. The company did not
for sharing our results with our colleagues, wrote an article
hire people at that time and advised me to try it next year,
on the Meandering Regge and presented the results at the
something I did not forget. I was invited to join the company
2008 IAHR congress in Turkey.
the next year.
Now, looking back, I realise that study prepared me well in
When I started working at HKV CONSULTANTS, about 30
most respects. When I started working, I had some impor-
consultants were working mainly on national water manage-
tant basic skills and a good mentality but knew very little
ment projects from our office in Lelystad. The company has
compared to my senior colleagues. So I listened, absorbed,
grown in the years to more than 60 consultants operating
made mistakes, tried again and in the end always succeeded.
in the fields of hydrology, hydraulics, morphology, risks and
What I treasure most from the study are the learnings from
safety, crises management, IT and GIS. We embrace and sup-
fluid mechanics and hydrology and the general self-assurance
port innovation and have a strong focus on the quality of our
that was transferred to us as future civil engineers. The world
work. On average we work on 250 projects every year and
and its physical processes may be very complex, but we as
opened additional offices in Delft and Aachen. About 15% of
civil engineers would always be able to find a solution for the
our turnover is in projects abroad. We reserve about 10% of
problem at hand using our skills and formulas. This notion
our time for research and development.
has stayed with me throughout my career.
The structure of the company is rather flat and informal. All
I hope to meet students attracted to our company profile at
management staff, including managing directors, work as
HKV CONSULTANTS.
17
Vol. 18 / 3 - 2008
“Back to School”
by Marie-claire ten Veldhuis
Upon my decision to accept a job at the
and meetings is not obvious, however. And that is where the
university where I graduated about 10
opportunity came along to apply for a position at TU Delft.
years earlier, many people have asked
Of course stories never develop as smoothly as that: I was
me diplomatically about this unusual
not yet completely convinced that I would be willing to spend
career move. Now even the Druppel-
4 yours on a specific research subject in combination with
editors, students at this very same uni-
teaching classes on sewer design. Nor was I convinced that
versity have asked me a question along
I could do it, after having been engaged in completely dif-
the same lines, which I’m most happy to
ferent activities for years. But a university job has more at-
answer. First I’ll tell a bit of context and then explain if my
tractions that helped to rope me in: I very much like to work
current position at TU Delft comes up to my initial expecta-
in international surroundings and at TU Delft about half of
tions, so far.
the students come from abroad. What is more: researchers
are supposed to present their work at international confer-
Before I came to TU Delft, I worked as a “water manager”
ences and to maintain contacts with colleagues abroad, thus
for a City Council with ambitious water development plans
to travel around.
and I disposed of financial funds that a university researcher
can only dream of. This provided me with ample opportuni-
So that is how I moved to TU Delft in June 2006. June is
ties to set up interesting projects and no direct reason to
about the end of the last semester of the year and after a
make a move. I was rather new to sewer management when
few weeks I found myself in a half-empty university build-
I started the job at the City Council, since before that, in my
ing and nothing urgent to fill my daily agenda with. Having
time as a consultant, I mainly worked on surface water man-
been used to running from one meeting to the next, this was
agement issues. One of the first things that struck me at the
a pretty lost feeling. With no courses to teach for at least a
City Council is the impressive amount of yearly investments
few months, I set out to do a lot of reading and try to figure
in sewer management. Sewers being underground, engineer-
out what might be an appropriate research subject to spend
ing works are always complicated: roads have to be closed
4 years on. This has probably been the toughest part of the
for hours to do maintenance or inspection works with heavy,
new job: starting research from scratch with no clear picture
special machinery and constructions of sewers and under-
of what a research project should entail and a world of op-
ground basins require lots of excavation and concrete. It also
tions without a clue where to focus on. I learnt quickly that
meant that compared to my colleagues who were responsible
what felt to me as a narrow subject for research in reality
for management of roads, bridges and green spaces, I faced
is far too broad to cover in an in-depth study of 4 years. To
much more of a challenge to find out where exactly my assets
give you an idea: I first thought quantifying the impact of un-
were, then what their state was and how they functioned.
certainties on urban drainage management decisions would
Within a couple of years I had a list of uncertainties about
be a nice research task. That would include: uncertainties in
the urban drainage
geometrical data, in hydrodynamic modeling for flooding as
system that I felt
well as sewer overflows, uncertainties on pipe conditions in
were worth further
relation to replacement need, effectiveness of maintenance
research. Unfortu-
activities etc. etc. It took me a number of months to narrow
nately, as a man-
this down to uncertainties in urban flooding only. Then I had
ager I was forced
to narrow this further to a probabilistic risk assessment of
to leave this part
urban flooding, which excludes scenario analysis, fuzzy mod-
to colleagues and,
eling and other methods to cope with uncertainties. Research
most of the time,
has to be much more thorough than I could have imagined
to consultants.
in order to come to robust conclusions. As a consequence
“Sewer team” before sewer inspection
results are far more modest than I would have hoped.
From there it is only a small step towards thinking about
possibilities to do some more research myself. Combining re-
Having a better picture of what research entails, the most
search activities with a fully booked agenda of appointments
attractive part of it for me is the constant acquisition of new
18
knowledge and training of the brain, so to say. In other kinds
over the years. Still there are a lot of options to constantly
of jobs repetition tends to play a much more important part,
change and improve the educational program; we are cur-
especially after a couple of years. Also the freedom of a re-
rently making only very modest use of on-line educational
searcher to move around and to try-out and discover new
facilities, to give just an example. And then of course the
paths is extensive, as long as you do not loose that 4-years-
students change from year to year and the variety of nation-
away-deadline from sight.
alities and backgrounds in bachelor education makes teach-
So what about the teaching, you may ask, isn’t that likely to
ing far from repetitive. If only we could inspire more students
become repetitive after a couple of years? This is true in a
to graduate in water management! In research as well as in
sense, since the basics of sewer design do not really change
practice there is such a lot of work to be done.
The local “Breda bus” on a flooded street: one of those
Almost-flooding-situation with the church
situations I got the inspiration for my research from.
of Breda in the background
ECO-job Goes International!
by Xander de Graaf, ECO-job
The largest Dutch job agency for environmental professionals
mental market these days, it is often hard to find the right
has started an international branch, which helps companies
one for you. That’s where ECO-job comes in. We have close
abroad find professionals who want to pursue a career in
relations with the most important players in the market;
a foreign country. Our database consists of highly qualified
therefore we can easily select the ones we think will match
employees in the field of environment or water.
best to your experience, personality and ambitions. Before
we introduce you to an organisation, we will make sure we
Being the largest agency for environmental jobs, our mission
get to know you and your employment wishes.
is to introduce professionals to organisations that we think
they will fit in well with. Whether you are looking for a tem-
ECO-job not only helps you find the right person for your
porary position or would like to work towards a permanent
company, but also takes care of a number of administrative
contract: our account managers are there to help you make
duties that involve working for a foreign company. Paper-
your goals and ambitions come true.
work, visas and work permits: let it be our worry, not yours.
We realize there is more to a perfect job than a challenging
task and a proper salary. For example: the possibility to de-
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you wish to learn more
velop your personal and professional skills, a working sched-
about the services of ECO-job.
ule that fits in with your possible other duties and, perhaps
You can reach us at our head of-
most important, the personal match between you and the
fice in The Hague: +31 70 3546454
company, that is essential for a workplace to be a pleasant
(ask for Xander de Graaf), or visit
place to go to every day.
www.eco-job.com to subscribe to
our e-mail service and to check
Among the many positions that are available in the environ-
available candidates.
19
Vol. 18 / 3 - 2008
Vitens Water Technology: Innovative and Trendsetting
by Corine Willemse, Vitens N.V.
Vitens intends to realise a top position in the supply of drink-
tens the water and removes any pesticides. In the surround-
ing water in the Netherlands and to be a worldwide pioneer
ings of Dinxperlo Vitens has to work with a rugged, mixed
in water innovations. This is why the water company works
ground structure and, partly because of this, variable quali-
continuously on the further development of existing purifica-
ties of ground water. The ground water is also very hard. To
tion techniques and on investigating new techniques.
make matters worse, pesticides such as bentazon began to
appear during the late 1990s. To kill more birds with one
The Water Technology department at Vitens is active in the
stone, Vitens designed a membrane plant with a new con-
field of numerous innovations. Perfect drinking water must
struction for the membrane stacks. In this way the water
be made from ground water that is hard to purify, production
passes through three elements, flows into the pressure vessel
processes and quality controls can always be more efficient.
and is not forced out at the end but through a side opening halfway along the vessel. This innovative new pressure
Decolourisation at Oldeholtpade
vessel design means that the process can take place under
An example: Vitens has developed a new technique for de-
a lower pressure. And that saves energy. Furthermore, this
colourising water that is unique in the world. This involves
plant uses phosphate free antiscalants: a new type of sub-
an extremely efficient application of ion exchange, which
stance retarding the depositing of salts in the membranes
even makes it possible to make perfect drinking water from
and pipes through which the concentrate passes. Treatment
ground water that is difficult to purify. The new decolourising
of the concentrate and purification of the residual stream is
technique is being deployed at the drinking water production
therefore unnecessary.
plant Oldeholtpade in the south of Friesland. Here the technique is used in combination with the softening, reduction
Purifying brackish ground water
and reuse of rinse water. This makes the water at Oldeholt-
In brief: things are looking good. But they can always be bet-
pade qualitatively comparable with water at other drinking
ter. Vitens Water Technology is constantly thinking about the
water production plants in Friesland. This has major advan-
future. For instance, process engineers are currently inves-
tages during times of extremely high demand for water, dur-
tigating whether the capacity of the drinking water sources
ing malfunction in a region or in the event of local drying up
can be extended by using desalinated ground water in the
of the ground.
north-west of Friesland. In the past the water company was
forced to close down extraction wells as soon as brackish
Efficient membrane plant at Dinxperlo
water appeared. Now Vitens sees good opportunities to ex-
There is even better news. In late 2006 a membrane puri-
tract brackish ground water at the Noardburgum site and to
fication plant on the basis of reversed osmosis entered into
purify it using membrane technology. Vitens’ innovations, to
operation in Dinxperlo, Gelderland. Membrane filtration sof-
be continued!
Ion exchange installation at Oldeholtpade, South Friesland
20
Membrane installation at Dinxperlo, Gelderland
Water...
pure and simple
Vitens supplies water of a quality that ranks among the best in the world to 5.4 million
consumers and businesses in the provinces of Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, Utrecht,
Overijssel and a number of municipalities in Drenthe and Noord-Holland. That makes
Vitens the largest water company in the Netherlands.
With around 1,500 employees, 100 production units and a distribution network of 47,500 kilometres, we supply 330 million m3 of water a year. Vitens aims to be the leading Dutch water
company, occupying the number one position in public water supply in the Netherlands and
actively engaging in the supply of industrial water and international water projects.
Vitens Water Technology - Snekertrekweg 61, 8912 AA Leeuwarden, tel. +31 58 2945594,
P.O. Box 1090, 8200 BB Lelystad, The Netherlands
Read more: www.vitens.nl / www.vitens.com
Vol. 18 / 3 - 2008
Life After Graduation
by Wytze Schuurmans
More than twenty years ago Fons Nelen and I met each other
it became quite popular. We had contacts in America, France
at the Delft University. I graduated in 1987 at the Faculty
and in various developing countries were students could be
of Civil Engineering. I did my MSc project on the Ganges
sent to for their MSc thesis. The method of operational wa-
Ankum, who at that time worked for DHV on this project.
fieldtrips to Paris.
like to develop and realise new ideas on the subject of our main interest being water management. At
Kobadak Irrigation project in Bangladesh, together with Paul
ter management soon caught on, perhaps partly due to the
that night we decided to start Nelen & Schuurmans before the end of the year.
A few months
later Jan
we Kop
sat together
with onlyAfter
ourour
laptops:
back
to the
roots. It was
when we
The contacts were arranged
by Professor
(of sanitary
doctoral
degree
in 1991/1992
Fonsjust
andlike
I considered
started
ourwas
PhD-research.
motto was “we
it differently”
andour
weown
were
lookinginfor
engineering), but my
Professor
Rob Brouwer Our
(irrigation).
thedo
possibility
of starting
business
theinnovative
field of op-and
creative
solutions
water
management problems.
The challenge
wasbut
and
get clients
and to
Being one of the first
“2-phase
student” for
I got
the opportunity
erational water
management,
westill
did is
nottorealise
this idea.
keepDoing
thema satisfied.
Our was
clients
andWL|Delft
municipalities
in the
Next
to do a PhD research.
PhD research
notwere
very mainlyI water
left forboards
WL (later
Hydraulics
andNetherlands.
now Deltares)
year
Nelen not
& Schuurmans
will celebrate
its and
10 years
anniversary
nearly
employees,
all with an
common at that time,
especially
for inexperienced
juniors
Fons went
to work with
for DHV.
For40eight
years I worked
academic degree. Although Delft students are
no longer
the majority
and
office
is situated
in the
at Deltares
on in
irrigation
projects
in our
Nepal,
Egypt
and India.
centre
of
Utrecht,
we
consider
Nelen
&
Schuurmans
still
“a
Delft
company”
because
of
our
approach.
In 1986, the department of water management was not very
After my first son was born, I tried to stay more at home
We
are
working
in
the
field
of
strategic
planning,
operational water management, urban drainage,
large. The section of hydrology was relatively well staffed
and shifted my scope to projects in the Netherlands. In the
flood protection and water quality and ecology. Normally we have two or three trainees working on one
with professor van Dam and three full time staff members.
meantime Fons and I discussed many items, among others
of these subjects.
like me.
The section Irrigation only consisted of prof. Brouwer for one
the absence of a Dutch software program for urban applica-
day a week and Polders was headed by prof Segeren for
tions. We decided to fill this gap and for this project we raised
0 days a week. In 1987 the staff was extended with Paul
funds from the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Professor Guus
Ankum, working for both Polders and irrigation, Betty Roth-
Stelling invented a new numerical scheme (an alternative for
fusz and myself. It was then that I met Fons Nelen. At that
the Preissmann scheme), which effectively could cope with
time we both lived in Amsterdam and we were car pooling
both supercritical flow and dry bed flow. Thus a new Sobek
to Delft.
version (first called Pluvius and later Sobek-Urban) was born.
In Delft it was a pioneering atmosphere and we had that
Because of its superior scheme we decided to make also a ru-
“Calimero feeling” against the rest of the Faculty. After some
ral version for channel, which was called Sobek-rural. At this
Wytze Schuurmans, Utrecht.
time, although working on
different systems (I was
working with
irrigation
systems and Fons with urban drainage systems) we
found out that we were
working in the same field
of operational water management (it was a term
we invented). Specifically
we were searching how
to improve irrigation and
drainage systems using
real time control. This
topic attracted more and
more students and after
two years we proposed to
start a new lecture series
on operational water management. In 1989 OperaOne
of the projects
of Nelen
& Schuurmanswas
was the
the design
of of
a sophisticated
new water
van de“stad
One of the
projects
of Nelen
& Schuurmans
design
a sophisticated
newsystem
water“stad
system
tional Watermanagement
van de zon”in
urban
hasand
a beach
and
suitable Itfor
swimming.
zon”inHeerhugowaard.
Heerhugowaard. TheThe
urban
waterwater
systemsystem
has a beach
is suitable
foris
swimming.
usually
takes a It
usually takes
a long
time atoplan
realise
a plan
quite
often
reports
remain
words
only.was
In actually
this case
was officially registered
long time
to realise
and quite
oftenand
reports
remain
words
only. In
this case
the system
builtthe
and isand
now
visible
in Google
and in the followingsystem
years was actually built as designed
as designed
is now
visible
in GoogleEarth.
Earth.
22
time professor Stelling had a ski-accident (during a scientific
A few months later we sat together with only our laptops:
conference as I recall) and during his 6-week rest period he
back to the roots. It was just like when we started our PhD-
developed also a 2d scheme on the same numerical concept,
research. Our motto was “we do it differently” and we were
later developed to Delft 2d or HIS.
looking for innovative and creative solutions for water man-
After our PhD for one day a week we both stayed at the
agement problems. The challenge was and still is to get cli-
University to continue our lecture series in operation water
ents and to keep them satisfied. Our clients were mainly wa-
management. We also supported many MSc and some PhD
ter boards and municipalities in the Netherlands. Next year
students among which Elgard van Leeuwen, Peter Jules van
Nelen & Schuurmans will celebrate its 10 years anniversary
Overloop and Olivier Hoes who are still working at the Uni-
with nearly 40 employees, all with an academic degree. Al-
versity.
though Delft students are no longer in the majority and our
In 1998 Fons and I were both on a mission to Parimaribo for
office is situated in the centre of Utrecht, we consider Nelen
a proposal and during a tropical night we recalled our earlier
& Schuurmans still “a Delft company” because of our ap-
plans tot start our own business. Although we made our ca-
proach. We are working in the field of strategic planning,
reer at Deltares and DHV we felt that more and more time
operational water management, urban drainage, flood pro-
was “wasted on meetings and internal affairs”. We would
tection and water quality and ecology. Normally we have two
rather like to develop and realise new ideas on the subject
or three trainees working on one of these subjects.
of our main interest being water management. At that night
we decided to start Nelen & Schuurmans before the end of
the year.
Wij zijn een adviesbureau met veertig
hoogopgeleide medewerkers, afkomstig
van verschillende universiteiten. We zijn al
tien jaar actief voor overheden,
bedrijfsleven en kennisinstituten.
In samenwerking met onze klanten, zijn
wij continue op zoek naar originele en
creatieve oplossingen voor watervraagstukken.
Heb jij kennis van water, een eigen
mening en ben je op zoek naar een
inspirerende stage of baan? Kijk dan op
www.nelen-schuurmans.nl
Topadviseurs met een eigen mening
Vol. 18 / 3 - 2008
Bank Manager, Circus Director, or Still Rather Water Manager?
by Ivo Miltenburg, Water Resources Modeling and Remote Sensing Specialist, WaterWatch
When you are close to graduation, it
but I couldn’t imagine myself doing that for a period longer
becomes apparent that very soon you
than three months: small, relatively easy assignments (com-
can no longer be a student: it is ex-
pared to what you are used to tackle at the university), justify
pected that you will conquer a position
every 15 minutes you sit behind your desk, etc. Maybe that’s
at the labour market. In my case, dur-
not a real fair view of the work at an engineering firm, but it
ing the start of the year 2008, there
was what I envisioned that would happen. It made me realise
was no difference. The big question
that I wanted a challenging aspect in my future work: techni-
was off course: what shall I do?
cal expertise should be required, but also with a broad scope
and a lot of new opportunities to learn new things. This was
Rationally thinking (I started studying in Delft for a reason)
the moment that I also realised that working at a government
I divided this problem into a subset of manageable portions
institution probably also was not going to do it for me. At
that I could consider and subsequently check off. In my world
the same time Prof. Bastiaanssen walked into my graduation
there were a few main choices. The first was to just ignore
room and proposed to have a talk about working opportuni-
my study as a Water Manager and exploit my “analytical abili-
ties at his company in Wageningen: WaterWatch.
ties” by becoming a consultant of some sort (with a PriceWaterhouseCoopers kind of firm or with a bank, etc. – in the
I considered other options and wrote to companies like Del-
light of current affairs probably a pretty uncertain choice). Or
tares to have exploring talks about the possibilities, but the
ignore my study and become the circus director I desired to
fact that I now work in far far away Wageningen already gives
be when I was 8 years old. I realised this was not the right
away that I found what I was looking for at WaterWatch. So
direction for me. I hadn’t been studying for that long to im-
what do I do and why do I like it? Let me start with an intro-
mediately forget it all.
duction from the website: WaterWatch is a scientific advisory
firm that diagnoses historic and current water management
The second option was to do something related to Civil En-
practices across large irrigated river basins by means of satel-
gineering – Water Management, which I broadly divided into
lite measurements.
three categories:
In a nutshell, we can provide accurate estimations about wa• Continuing research (promotion at the university, TNO,
Deltares, etc.)
ter related subjects (for example evapotranspiration) on the
basis of remote sensing. This can be very detailed (what is
• Government related (water board, Rijkswaterstaat, etc.)
the water stress, nutrient shortage and even biomass growth
• Start at an engineering firm
in a small farmers maize field) or on a very large scale (where
in the Nile basin is the irrigation practice relatively inefficient).
I started going over all the courses and projects I did at the
We do this by solving the surface energy balance on a pixel
TU Delft and asked myself what I liked and disliked. I have
by pixel basis, which is a very complicated process. I will not
always been a surface water kind of guy, interested in mathematics, but also in practical applications of theory, and thus
modeling (think of the course Spatial Tools). I very much liked
my graduation subject (a combination of Operational Water
Management, Mechanical Engineering and modeling), but it
was pretty specialistic and even though I think the subject
deserves further research, I felt the urge to work outside the
university environment. That was the reason I disregarded
that subject and a position at the university (if there was one)
for the start of my professional career.
My internship at a large engineering firm had given me a
glimpse of what that was like. I liked the time I spent there,
24
False color image of irrigated cropland in October, illustrating different land use (New South Wales – Australia)
go into detail, but it means that we work with visualisation
software and a lot of scientific theory. This is all new for me
(it is also new for the world and the policymakers, as we are
one of the few companies in the world who can do this), but I
get to play with models, learn new stuff and I have to use all
my logic to solve problems and get things to work.
I like that. What I like even more is that with the WaterWatch
approach, we can contribute to water management studies
by providing the necessary data on the actual field conditions.
Albeit improving water management ranks high on political
agendas, there are hardly operational methods available that
provide the appropriate agronomical and hydrological data in
places that are underdeveloped and have not a lot of measurement systems in place (like for example poor regions in
Africa that could benefit the most). And this is also where my
study Water Management comes into play, after all the work
Very detailed (250m x 250m) average temperature map of SE Aus-
on energy fluxes and meteorological factors: the translation
tralia, based on point measurements (meteostations) extrapolated
of data into advice about water practices.
with the use of remote sensing determined characteristics of 50
days in the year 2004-2005
The fact that WaterWatch is a relatively small advisory firm
(15 people) contributes to the confidence and responsibility
water savings is very valuable. Or to state it even stronger:
I get. This means there is no risk of becoming a “knoppen-
it is necessary.
boer”: somebody who pushes the same buttons every day
This would hardly be, or not at all, feasible on this scale with
and copy pastes the results into a template report. At the mo-
standard techniques. Every day I learn new things and start
ment I am working on a big project, where we are mapping
to see more cross connections and possibilities for the future.
the evapotranspiration of the South Eastern part of Australia.
I think the world can benefit from a remote sensing approach
You are probably aware of the fact that Australia has a real
of water related issues. In my opinion it is very relevant, but
water shortage, which means that a detailed study of how
also a big challenge and I like very much being part of that
much water is available and which regions are suitable for
process…. I can still become a circus director when I retire.
25
Vol. 18 / 3 - 2008
Two Dimensional Modelling Essential for Regional Water Management
by Maarten Spijker and Marlies Zantvoort, HydroLogic BV
2D-models are becoming more and more important for solv-
tunnel under a dike: the presence or absence of this kind of
ing water management problems. At present these models
elements determines whether or not a large area can flood.
are used effectively to calculate floods as a result of the
An example of the influence of this type of details is shown
breach of primary embankments. In this paper we discuss
in Figure 2. By closing or not closing two culverts in the
how 2D-modelling is used in regional water management.
Liniedijk, the flooding pattern in the Haarlemmermeer polder
The results of two case studies are presented: a dike-breach
changes considerably.
simulation project in the lower area of the Netherlands and a
project of flood retention by nature restoration in a small river
An important purpose of the CIS is to assess the risk of floods
in the hilly area of the Netherlands.
in urban areas, resulting from a dike breach. In the default
DTM, the urban areas are mostly situated too high, which
Modelling of dike-breach induced floods
is caused by the elevation of buildings. Detailed corrections
HydroLogic developed a hydroinformatics system called CIS
have to be made to allow flood simulation in those areas
(calamity information system) for waterboard Hoogheem-
which closely match reality. Figure 1 presents some results
raadschap van Rijnland. CIS has the purpose to support wa-
of this correction.
ter managers during a breach of a secondary dike by giving
(1)
information on the expected flood by means of detailed flood
analysis, animations and graphs. To make rapid decisionmaking possible, the system contains a library of 400 precalculated dike breaches. By consulting this pre-processed
information, the water manager knows how particular lowlying areas inundate: the extension of the flood and inunda-
(2)
(3)
tion depths over time.
The water manager can also analyse potential measures with
the CIS, like creating artificial compartments in canals, which
reduce inflowing water volumes to low-lying polders. Furthermore, the system can be used during the dike breach and the
consecutive flood event itself. This permits to execute realtime computations to rapidly determine where interventions
and calamity measures are needed.
This study addressed two points of special interests for 2Dmodelling: the computational time for simulation and the
quality of the digital terrain map (DTM).
Figure 1: The right balance of detail and computation time: up-scaling the original DTM (1) reduces computation time but can result
in too much data loss (2); optimisation of the up-scaled DTM is
performed by re-including and correcting for (line) elements and
real surface levels in urban areas (3).
When considering 2D simulation an important issue is the
computational time. The 1D/2D-model is substantially slower
in calculation than a 1D-model alone. Furthermore, the computational time strongly increases with the level of detail of
the simulation raster of the DTM. The computational time can
be reduced by up-scaling the DTM raster. In the CIS-project it
became necessary to scale up to grid cells of the map from 5
x 5 m to 25 x 25 m, to make sure that a reasonable computational time was reached under operational conditions.
However, the accuracy of the 2D-model decreases by the upscaling, because details are lost, of the terrain which determine the flow paths (Figure 1). Even very small details can
influence the simulated flooding patterns to a large extent.
An example is the local influence of an elevated road or a
26
Figure 2: Flooding patterns in the Haarlemmermeer; two days after the breach of the dike along the Ringvaart. The circles indicate
where the largest differences in the flooding patterns occur as a result of the closure of the culverts in the Liniedijk.
Flood retention by nature restoration in the
Essche Stroom
Apart from accurate 2D-flow simulation, the 2D-modelling
The Essche Stroom is a free flowing tributary to the Dommel
cation and communication of results. Figure 3 shows an ex-
river, which is currently restored to a more natural stream by
ample where aerial photographs are used for the verification
the waterboard De Dommel. This restoration consists of re-
of the modelling results. This is valuable, particularly in case
meandering, reducing of the summer flow course cross sec-
of a lack of field measurements.
approach also creates important possibilities for model verifi-
tions and widening of the winter profile by moving the embankments more inland. After performing these measures,
the drainage and flooding patterns of the river change: the
summer flow course is smaller and during high discharges,
the winter bed of the river contributes to the flow. Important
constraints for the successful restoration process are that the
local water depths at times of excessive precipitation and the
resulting discharges in the downstream city of Den Bosch do
not increase.
The purpose of the study was to determine whether or not
the constraints will be met after executing the plans for restoration. To answer the associated questions a model was
constructed in which the entire flow course is modelled using
a 2D simulation of the over-land flow in the winter bed and a
1D approach for the summer course.
One of the conclusions from the calculations conducted with
the model was that reducing the summer course results in an
unacceptable increase of water levels. The most important
reason for this is that local narrowing of the cross sections of
the water course, for example at bridges, obstructs the water
flow. The restoration plans for the Essche Stroom are currently refined on the basis of this modelling result.
An important reason to use a 2D-model in this study was to
assess the details of the flooding process. A second reason
was to analyse in detail the influence of the spatial variation of the over-land flow in the winter bed when high water levels are reached. In that part of the water course the
flow depends more on variations in spatial elevation than in
the usually uniform summer course. The height variations,
obstacles and narrow parts in the cross section of the river
cause 2D-flows with a significant influence on water levels;
for accurate calculation of these water levels, 2D-simulation
appears to be essential.
The 2D-schematisation of the winter bed of the Essche
Stroom has lead to a detailed view on the current and expected flooding processes. A precondition for realistic 1D/2Dmodelling is the availability of expert knowledge in this type
of hydromodelling as well as local knowledge and cooperation with people from the field.
Figure 3: Verification of the flooding pattern simulated with the
1D/2D-model of the Essche Stroom with the use of aerial photo-
Conclusion
graphs of a flood in 1995.
From the case studies we can conclude that the use of 2Dmodelling in regional water management has technological
advantages for in-depth analysis and for finding good solutions to water problems such as flooding. 2D-modelling creates great options for detailed flood analysis, taking into account spatial variations in elevation. It leads to simulations
close to reality.
By using a 2D-model, the knowledge increases of the effects
of details in flow patterns in combined flow through water
courses and over land. It provides chances for a better calibration and verification and it also creates added value for
communicative aspects.
Both studies show that the quality of the DTM, which forms
the basis for the 2D-model, is very important. 2D-modelling
should only be used when enough knowledge is available
to carefully correct and optimize the DTM. By means of advanced automatic algorithms and the contribution of local
knowledge, elements like roads, embankments, ditches and
streets are brought into the terrain representation which is
used in simulation.
We conclude that the use of 2D-modeling has a great added
value for analysis of water issues with a spatial component.
The advantage of 2D-models over 1D-models alone is the increased knowledge acquired: in spatial water flow behaviour,
in environmental consequences of flows and on the feasibility
of operational and strategic solutions.
27
Vol. 18 / 3 - 2008
How to Combine the Energy Crisis and Biofuels Into Your Water
Management Thesis
by Roel Blesgraaf
Finding
a
convenient
on this use of Jatropha is increasing. In Mali and Tanzania,
subject for your gradu-
small-scale plantations are organised to produce biodiesel
ation project is probably
for local purposes. For example, in Garalo (Mali), Jatropha
the most important part
plantations are set up to produce biodiesel for generators to
of your study. You have
provide thousands of rural people of electricity. Jatropha can
to find a subject which
be used in a sustainable way, but much care is needed.
keeps you motivated for
quite some time.
TU Delft celebrated their 165th anniversary last year, with
It starts with choosing between a commercial company or, in
a theme called “Sustainable development, with a focus on
my case, room 4.93. I encountered the most interesting sub-
Africa”. One of their activities was the installation of the Sus-
jects on the university. One of them was the hydrological im-
tainable Development Competition for students who do re-
pacts of Jatropha, in which the department was just involved.
search on a practical idea or project which is able to make
This sounded interesting to me, because of the relevance
a real contribution to sustainable development in Africa. I
according to the current energy crisis. The symposium of the
made a presentation as my research proposal to enter this
dispuut about water trade and biofuels was also a good trig-
competition.
ger for the subject. I decided to dive into the exiting world of
The jury of this competition was enthusiastic about my sub-
biofuels to complete my study civil engineering.
mission. Especially about the way I put this complex problem
into a scientific context and how I look for sustainable solu-
Jatropha Curcas is a small tree of which the seeds are toxic.
tions to be implemented locally. Therefore, the jury granted
From these seeds, oil can be extracted to produce biodie-
me the prize of €10.000,- to spend on (the implementation
sel. Besides this oil, the plant has several other adventages.
of) the research. With this money, I will perform a fieldwork
Firstly, Jatropha is a non-food crop because it’s toxic, and is
to see the problems
therefore a second generation biofuel1. Secondly, Jatropha is
the farmers have to
extremely drought-resistant, and doesn’t necessarily need to
cope with in the field.
be irrigated. Thirdly, because of its deep roots, planting of
Besides, I will do a first
Jatropha hedges to prevent erosion is very suitable. Fourthly,
set of measurements
the tree is very suitable for intercropping, e.g. together with
to find out which hy-
peanuts, green beans or maize. Finally, the residue after oil-
drological parameters
pressing is useful as fertiliser.
are most affected by
the cultivation of Jat-
In my research I try to find a relation between the water
ropha. This is impor-
use and the yield of the crop. It can withstand big droughts,
tant when a more ex-
but then the yield is of course almost negligible. Besides, my
tensive measurement
hypothesis is that turning a semi-arid area into a Jatropha
campaign is conducted
plantation does have impact on the water balance. Does it
in the future.
Jatropha Curcas
attract water in the soil or not? And what consequences does
the increase of transpiration have? Will the soil parameters
This is not a usual subject for a graduation project. Many
change under influence of cultivation of Jatropha? Led by
students ask me why I chose for a subject which seems to
prof. Savenije, Thom Boogaard and Marloes Mul from IHE, I
belong to Wageningen University. But why stick to a subject
try to find an answer to these questions.
that your supervisor provides you, instead of search for a
subject which fit better to your own motives? I think the lat-
Since I started my research, the discussions are going up and
ter is a better way to stay motivated for at least eight months.
down whether Jatropha is a useful biofuel or not. In India
So dig your heart out and surprise your supervisors and fel-
and China, the crop is used for big-scale production of biodie-
low students with fresh ideas!
sel by means of massive plantations. However, the criticism
30
Water Board Elections?
Roel Blesgraaf, kandidaat CDA voor Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard en
Guido van der Wedden, kandidaat Algemene Waterschapspartij Delfland
Guido van der Wedden (left)
and Roel Blesgraaf (right)
The United States presi-
Water Management
dential elections on No-
Delfland is responsible for the largest waste water treatment
vember 4 th 2008 are not
plant of Europe. This, however, does not mean that all work is
the only elections that
finished: a further optimisation must lead to more efficiency
take place coming No-
and lower costs. Currently the waste water treatment plant
vember: from November
of Delfland is the most expensive of the Netherlands. All in-
13th till 25th, the water
habitants pay the price for this. Schieland is situated in an
board elections take place
area surrounded by rivers. Because the lowest spot in Europe
throughout the Nether-
lies in this area, one of the main concerns is salination of the
lands. “Water board elections?” most foreign students will
groundwater.
wonder, but, to be honest, most native Dutch students won’t
The bulk of the works of water boards consists of typical
be able to explain this either…
water management issues. The board is deciding on these
issues. Democratic control on the board takes place by all
Oldest democratic institutions
inhabitants, through the water board elections.
The Water Boards (‘waterschappen’ or ‘hoogheemraadschappen’) are regional government bodies charged with managing both water quantity (e.g. dykes, waterways, water levels)
and water quality issues (e.g. waste water treatment, surface
water quality). Water boards exist from the 13th century. The
need to protect the country against the rivers and sea forced
the population to organise itself: together they could cope
with the water. The function of the water boards basically
remained unchanged to this day.
Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland
Pumping station
In the area around Delft, the water board in charge is called
the ‘Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland’. This organisation ex-
Unique elections
ists for ages: in 1289 Count Floris V of Holland gave the ad-
All inhabitants of a water board aged older than 18 year can
ministrators of Delfland the right to survey, to enact laws and
vote. Voting takes place by ballot. All inhabitants receive
administer justice. In the area between Rotterdam, Zoeter-
the ballot papers at home. In the past, voting was on in-
meer and Schoonhoven, the water board in charge is called
dividual candidates. For the first time in the history of the
‘Hoogheemraadschap van Schieland en de Krimpenerwaard’.
water boards, voting is now on lists of interest groups. Most
This organisation is even older: in 1273 Floris V gave Schie-
Dutch political parties take part in the elections. CDA (Chris-
land a special privilege. These events were the origin of a
tian Democratic Appeal), PvdA (Dutch Labour Party) and
type of government that in the 21st century still cares for
VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy) will join
the water. Water boards make sure that everyone keeps dry
with their own lists. Next to this, there are parties specificly
feet. They also keep
aimed at the water board elections: environmental organisa-
the water in ditches
tions have founded Water Natuurlijk (Naturally Water); the
and
healthy
Algemene Waterschapspartij (General Water Board party) is
and clean our waste
a politically independent party. Because of their interest in
water. All this is done
water, a large number of civil engineers are on the lists for
in balance with nature
these elections.
canals
and against minimum
costs.
Weir
More general information on the elections can be found on:
http://www.waterschapsverkiezingen.nl/
31
Waar komt jouw
water vandaan?
Bijna iedereen die in Noord-Holland woont of werkt,
Zandvoort tot Bergen. Zeven miljoen keer per jaar
gebruikt water van PWN. Jaarlijks stroomt 105
brengen inwoners en bezoekers van de provincie
miljoen kubieke meter drinkwater via een leidingnet
een bezoek aan deze gebieden. Als monopolist in
van 10.000 kilometer naar 720.000 huishoudens,
ons voorzieningsgebied hebben wij een grote ver-
bedrijven en instellingen. Waterzuivering vindt plaats
antwoordelijkheid: betrouwbaar water leveren tegen
in Andijk, Bergen, Heemskerk, Wijk aan Zee en in
een goede prijs en een uitmuntende dienstverlening
de duinen. Daarnaast beheert PWN in opdracht van
verzorgen voor onze klanten.
de provincie Noord-Holland diverse natuurgebieden,
waaronder grote delen van het duingebied, van
Wil je meer weten over PWN kijk dan op www.pwn.nl