Water Legislation
in the Netherlands

By Pieter Huisman
May 2004
Delft University Press
ISBN: 90-407-2463-6
130 pages, Illustrated, 6 ½" x 9 ½"
$46.50 Paper Original

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"God created the world, but the Dutch shaped the Netherlands." This statement, made by foreigners, is a wry comment on the extent of the physical changes wrought on the country by man. The institutional framework and legislation that permitted these physical interventions, however, has received comparatively little attention in the past.

Today, those outside the Netherlands ask how the Dutch managed and maintained the complex hydraulic works and water systems that have been put in place over the centuries. As a result, an increasing demand for information relating to Dutch water management institutions and legislation has become apparent in recent years.

This book provides a brief introduction to the development of Dutch institutional structures and water management legislation from the 12th century. Current water legislation is summarized in thematic chapters, beginning with the constitutional context. Subsequent chapters outline the structure and procedures of water management organizations, and detail the regulations in place for the management of water and water related infrastructure at all governing levels.

Particular attention is paid to those regulations that harmonize physical planning, the environment and conservation management with relevant water issues. Finally, two chapters are devoted to the way that regulations at the provincial and local levels interact to realize the national goal of integrated water management.

Environmental Science

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