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Collaboration for a healthy water cycle
We collaborate in strategic programmes, partner networks and leverage funding to increase our impact
We believe water is a global common good that must be protected for the benefit of all, now and for generations to come. Safeguarding it at the scale of the entire water cycle is essential, but it cannot be done alone. That is why we value being part of a wide network of partners, working together to restore water cycles, drive innovation, and strengthen local utilities in delivering their vital services.
WaterWorX Programme
World Waternet is a partner in the WaterWorX programme with VEI (2017–2030), a public-private partnership between 10 Dutch water companies, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and local partner utilities in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Together, we aim to provide 10 million people worldwide with sustainable access to safe drinking water by 2030.

Blue Deal programme
We are also affiliated with the Dutch Water Authorities and play an active role in the Blue Deal programme. The Blue Deal will run to the end of 2030 and has one clear goal: to help 20 million people in 40 catchment areas around the world gain access to clean, sufficient and safe water. The Blue Deal programme is a collaboration between 21 Dutch Water Authorities, endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management.

ADB is a multilateral development bank committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia-Pacific. It funds water, sanitation, and climate resilience projects, supporting countries in delivering infrastructure and inclusive services that leave no one behind.
AfDB finances water and sanitation programmes that drive inclusive growth across Africa. Through the African Water Facility and related funds, it supports infrastructure, water governance and climate adaptation, building resilience in urban and rural environments.
AGV is the water authority behind Waternet and co-founder of World Waternet. As the only Dutch authority managing the full urban water cycle, AGV contributes hands-on expertise in flood defence, clean water, and wastewater treatment to support global WOPs and long-term sustainability.
Blue Deal is a long-term Dutch initiative supporting improved water governance in 16 countries by 2030. Led by Dutch Water Authorities, it strengthens capacity on IWRM (integrated water resources management) through peer-to-peer partnerships.
As the founding partner of Waternet and World Waternet, the City of Amsterdam enables knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and integrated urban water management across borders. It exemplifies how cities can lead in climate adaptation and sustainability, creating swimmable cities. Amsterdam Waternet provides water services to 1.3 million people in an urban delta area managing the complete water cycle. Tasks in Amsterdam: drinking water and pipe maintenance, sewage, groundwater levels, nautical and waterway management & Bridges and locks.
Dutch embassies worldwide play a key role in enabling international water cooperation. They support matchmaking, diplomacy, and funding for local partnerships. Their involvement strengthens the impact of local programmes.
Dutch Water Authorities (Unie van Waterschappen) represents all 21 regional Dutch water boards. They lead the Blue Deal programme and co-lead WaterWorx, offering decades of technical, policy and governance expertise in integrated water resources management (IWRM).
Project involvement:
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All Blue Deal projects
The EU funds and supports global efforts in water, sanitation, and climate adaptation. Through initiatives like the EU WOP programme and Global Gateway, it co-invests in sustainable infrastructure and capacity-building partnerships across low- and middle-income countries.
EU WOP is a European Union-funded initiative that supports peer-to-peer partnerships between public water operators. It enables knowledge exchange, improves service delivery, and strengthens utility resilience through mentoring and institutional cooperation.
GWOPA, hosted by UN-Habitat, is the global alliance supporting public-to-public Water Operators’ Partnerships (WOPs). It advocates for capacity development, peer learning, and utility solidarity to improve water and sanitation services in developing regions.
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs funds and steers international development programmes such as WaterWorx and Blue Deal. It strengthens water diplomacy and supports sustainable water governance through embassies, strategic partnerships, and long-term policy engagement.
Projects:
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All WaterWorx and Blue Deal projects
This ministry shapes Dutch water, mobility and climate policy. Internationally, it promotes integrated water resources management (IWRM) and co-finances Blue Deal to support capacity building, water security and adaptation in vulnerable regions.
The NWB Fund supports water projects in fragile and low-income regions by funding innovation, capacity building and utility partnerships. It works closely with World Waternet to strengthen local service delivery and improve resilience in water-stressed areas.
RVO supports Dutch and international organisations with funding, knowledge and networks in sustainability, climate and development. It plays a key role in enabling water-related innovations and partnerships in low- and middle-income countries.
UN-Habitat supports inclusive, sustainable urban development worldwide. Its water and sanitation work focuses on the most vulnerable communities, integrating WASH, solid waste, and resilience planning into city-level strategies and infrastructure.
UNICEF delivers life-saving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in over 100 countries. It supports governments and utilities to build systems that protect children’s health, education and dignity — especially in crisis zones and fragile contexts.
Project involvement:
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Laos – Water treatment plant in Vieng Phouka
WaterWorx is a global programme that strengthens public water operators in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Co-led by Dutch water utilities and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it uses Water Operators’ Partnerships (WOPs) to build skills, systems and safe water access.
Woord & Daad is a Dutch faith-based development organisation focused on education, WASH and sustainable livelihoods. It supports inclusive service models and social entrepreneurship, especially in fragile and underserved communities.
The World Bank is a major investor in water infrastructure, policy reform, and urban resilience in developing countries. It funds large-scale projects, capacity building and climate adaptation across WASH, irrigation, and disaster risk reduction.
YEP trains young Dutch and local professionals for international water and agro-food roles. It helps build future leadership by placing young experts in development projects, fostering cross-cultural learning and long-term sector capacity.
Our WOP partners
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5 Agences de l’eau
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Abbay Basin Development Office
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Greater Amman Municipality
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HNS
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Ministry of Natural Resources (Suriname)
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MORUWASA & Wami/Ruvu
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NCWSC Ltd.
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Palestinian Water Authority
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PNP Luang Namtha
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SOMAGEP/SOMAPEP
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Utilities of Adama, Hawassa & Shashemene
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Water Authority Jordan
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Water Resources Authority
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Water Resources Commission
Implementation partners
Aa & Maas manages water levels, quality and flood resilience in Southeast Netherlands. Every day, they maintain and inspect dikes, purify 300 million litres of water, and ensure safe, sufficient, and clean water. Their top priority is to contribute to the safety, health, and well-being of the people in their region.
Acacia Water is a Dutch consultancy that develops sustainable groundwater and climate adaptation solutions, especially in drylands. With a strong foundation in hydrogeology, they work on aquifer recharge, nature-based solutions, and water security for agriculture, ecosystems, and communities.
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AGV is the water authority behind Waternet and co-founder of World Waternet. As the only Dutch authority managing the full urban water cycle, AGV contributes hands-on expertise in flood defence, clean water, and wastewater treatment to support global WOPs and long-term sustainability.
Auxfin develops digital platforms that enable rural communities in developing countries to access financial services, health and WASH education, and local governance tools. Their inclusive technologies support data-driven development and help bridge the rural-urban divide in service access.
A faith-based community in Ghana involved in social development and education. Their WASH work supports public health and dignity in underserved communities through local leadership, outreach and behavioural change.
Brabantse Delta safeguards water quality, flood safety and ecological health in the province of North Brabant. With over 700 employees, they operate wastewater treatment plants, manage dikes, and restore nature, while sharing their climate resilience expertise internationally.
Deltares is a globally recognised Dutch research institute for water, subsurface and infrastructure. It develops open-source models, tools and knowledge to improve climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and sustainable water infrastructure worldwide.
Embassy of the Earth empowers communities to lead regenerative development. It works with local stakeholders on nature-based water solutions, ecosystem restoration and climate resilience. Their approach blends indigenous wisdom with systems thinking and long-term stewardship.
Het Waterlaboratorium is an independent Dutch lab that analyses water quality for drinking water and environmental monitoring. Their expertise supports safe drinking water, research on micropollutants, and innovations in water safety.
Waterschap Hollandse Delta manages water safety, quality and infrastructure in the southwest of the Netherlands. With a focus on climate adaptation, sustainable agriculture, and wastewater treatment, they contribute practical expertise to international partnerships.
This regional Dutch water authority protects low-lying areas in North Holland. They manage dikes, surface water, and sewage treatment. With centuries of experience in coastal resilience and peatland management, they offer valuable knowledge to global delta regions.
Hunze & Aa is a regional water authority in the northeast of the Netherlands. They manage rivers, dikes and wastewater systems to protect against floods and ensure clean water. Internationally, they promote adaptive water governance and wetland restoration.
Invest International supports Dutch impact abroad by financing water, energy, and climate solutions. They provide blended finance and technical assistance to public and private partners, enabling bankable water projects in emerging markets.
Kinara is a grassroots initiative in Kenya that improves access to clean water and sanitation for rural households and schools. With a strong focus on community empowerment and sustainability, it provides practical WASH solutions that directly improve health, dignity, and education.
KNMI is the Dutch national institute for weather, climate and seismology. It provides accurate forecasts, climate models and early warnings that help water authorities worldwide to anticipate droughts, floods, and extreme weather – essential for adaptive and climate-smart water management.
This Dutch water authority safeguards water safety and clean water in the Northern Netherlands. With a strong focus on sustainability and regional partnerships, it works on flood protection, climate adaptation, and resilient water ecosystems.
Waterschap Drents Overijsselse Delta manages water systems, flood protection and urban drainage in the east of the Netherlands. With expertise in adaptive planning and stakeholder engagement, it contributes to resilient and inclusive water governance.
Rijkswaterstaat is the Dutch national water agency, managing rivers, dikes, and major infrastructure. Internationally, it shares expertise on integrated water systems, hydraulic engineering, and climate resilience to support sustainable development.
One of the oldest water boards in the Netherlands, Rijnland manages flood defences, wastewater and climate adaptation in urban and low-lying areas. It combines centuries of experience with forward-thinking solutions to secure water safety and quality.
Waste is a Dutch NGO specialising in circular sanitation and inclusive WASH solutions. It works with local entrepreneurs, financial institutions and governments to improve faecal sludge management and promote safe, sustainable sanitation services for all.
Waterschap De Dommel manages water safety, wastewater, and nature in the southern Netherlands. It works closely with farmers and urban partners on climate adaptation and biodiversity. Internationally, it shares its governance and circularity expertise.
This regional authority manages water levels, quality and infrastructure across rural and peatland areas in Drenthe. It focuses on climate resilience, nature-based solutions and innovative sludge treatment techniques.
Waterschap Limburg is responsible for water safety and climate adaptation in the hilly, flood-prone south of the Netherlands. It pioneers early warning systems and community-based approaches to flood risk and drought management.
Waterschap Rivierenland oversees one of the most flood-sensitive areas in Europe. With centuries of experience, it leads in dike strengthening, sediment management, and agricultural water resilience — and contributes this expertise internationally.
This Dutch water authority manages water and sanitation across the central Netherlands. It’s a front-runner in circular wastewater treatment, energy recovery and climate-proof cities, sharing its innovations through international partnerships.
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WWF protects freshwater ecosystems through conservation, advocacy and sustainable water management. It partners with governments and companies to safeguard rivers, wetlands and biodiversity while ensuring water access for people and nature.
Waterschap Zuiderzeeland manages water systems in the reclaimed polders of Flevoland. Its work focuses on safety, innovation, and urban-rural balance. The water board shares knowledge on climate-resilient water control and wastewater reuse internationally.
Knowledge & innovation partnerships
AIWW is a global platform connecting cities, utilities, and innovators to tackle complex water challenges through collaboration. It brings together stakeholders to co-create solutions for resilient cities, circular water systems, and inclusive water governance.
AWS promotes responsible water use that benefits people and nature through its global standard. The organisation empowers industries and regions to manage shared water resources sustainably, improving catchment health, community resilience, and business accountability.
The Allwaters Consortium is a public-private coalition of Dutch water sector leaders working to address global water and climate challenges. It aims to scale integrated water solutions through collaboration, innovation, and the shared values of resilience, inclusion, and sustainability.
Aquafed is the International Federation of Private Water Operators, representing companies committed to delivering sustainable, affordable, and regulated water services. It engages in policy dialogue, capacity-building, and advocacy for professional public-private cooperation in water provision.
AquaPublic promotes sustainable public water services by encouraging collaboration between municipalities, water operators and civil society. The initiative supports knowledge exchange and defends the right to water through policy engagement and community-driven approaches.
Berlin Wasserbetriebe is Germany’s largest municipal water and wastewater utility, serving over four million people. With a focus on innovation, circularity and environmental protection, they also engage in international partnerships to exchange knowledge on resilient urban water systems.
C40 is a network of nearly 100 major cities committed to fighting climate change. It supports water resilience, sustainable urban drainage, and clean infrastructure, helping mayors and planners transform cities for climate safety and inclusivity.
HOFOR is the Greater Copenhagen utility for water, energy and climate solutions. It pioneers circular and climate-adaptive approaches in urban areas and collaborates internationally to exchange knowledge on drinking water supply, wastewater, and flood resilience.
Domoreforwater is a Dutch advocacy platform amplifying public awareness, youth engagement and investment in global water solutions. It translates technical challenges into urgent, people-driven calls to action.
Dutch Water Authorities (Unie van Waterschappen) represents all 21 regional Dutch water boards. They lead the Blue Deal programme and co-lead WaterWorx, offering decades of technical, policy and governance expertise in integrated water resources management (IWRM).
Project involvement:
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All Blue Deal projects
GWI is a leading information platform providing data, analysis and insight into the global water market. It tracks trends in finance, technology and policy, helping utilities, investors and governments make informed decisions about water infrastructure and innovation.
The UCL-based IIPP rethinks how public value is created through innovation. Their work influences public-private collaboration in water, climate and infrastructure. IIPP provides thought leadership on mission-driven governance and sustainability transitions.
IWA is a global network of water professionals committed to sustainable and innovative water management. Through research, events and knowledge sharing, IWA accelerates solutions for climate resilience, water quality, and sanitation access.
Jotem Water Solutions is a Dutch company that specialises in the design and engineering of decentralised water treatment systems. Their modular, plug-and-play solutions deliver safe drinking water in industrial, humanitarian and off-grid settings.
Together with World Waternet, Jotem co-developed the BlueElephant – a robust, mobile water treatment unit designed for crisis-prone regions. The BlueElephant is now operational in the Palestinian Territories, where it ensures reliable access to clean water in communities affected by infrastructure challenges and climate stress. This innovation exemplifies how public-private collaboration can turn technical ingenuity into tangible, life-saving impact.
This network unites the world’s most innovative water utilities, providing a platform to benchmark, inspire and share cutting-edge practices in water supply and wastewater management. Members commit to continuous improvement and serve as role models for global water leadership.
The National Water Traineeship empowers young Dutch professionals to tackle real-world challenges across the water sector. By combining training and practical work, it cultivates future leaders who contribute fresh perspectives to Dutch and international water initiatives.
NWP connects Dutch water expertise to global challenges. It fosters collaboration between governments, NGOs, businesses and knowledge institutions, helping to position the Netherlands as a leader in smart, sustainable, and inclusive water solutions worldwide.
NYC DEP operates one of the world’s largest drinking water and wastewater systems. It safeguards public health and environmental quality for over 8 million people and shares its expertise on resilience, green infrastructure and utility management internationally.
Nijhuis Industries develops smart, decentralised water treatment technologies with a focus on circular economy. Their systems promote water reuse, resource recovery and energy efficiency in both industrial and humanitarian settings.
Nuffic is the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education. It supports knowledge exchange and capacity building through scholarships, training, and institutional partnerships, including many in the water sector.
SIAAP treats wastewater for over nine million people in the Paris region. It is recognised for its cutting-edge technology, research, and sustainability strategies to improve water quality and reduce climate impact in major cities.
PUB is Singapore’s National Water Agency and a global leader in water reuse and digital water systems. It manages the entire water cycle, from rainwater harvesting to NEWater technology, and regularly shares its expertise with international utilities and city networks.
Swimmable Cities is an initiative that promotes the restoration of urban rivers for recreation, biodiversity and community wellbeing. It links clean water goals with urban development, making waterways safe, accessible, and inspiring symbols of climate resilience.
The University of Amsterdam provides research and academic expertise on topics like climate adaptation, environmental governance and urban resilience. It collaborates with World Waternet on knowledge exchange and capacity development.
VEI is a non-profit organisation founded by Dutch water utilities Vitens and Evides. It strengthens public water operators in Africa, Asia and Latin America through peer partnerships, supporting inclusive access, technical reliability and utility governance. A key implementing partner in WaterWorx programmes.
Vewin is the national association representing Dutch drinking water companies. It advocates for safe, affordable, and sustainable drinking water through policy influence, sector coordination and international cooperation. Vewin supports knowledge exchange, regulation, and innovation in water supply systems both in the Netherlands and abroad.
Water Europe is a multi-stakeholder platform advocating for a water-smart society in Europe. It promotes innovation, circularity, and climate resilience by connecting research, business and policy. Its network shapes the future of sustainable water systems.
Water Footprint Implementation enables companies and governments to measure, reduce, and offset their water use across value chains using science-based methods aligned with the Water Footprint Network.
A key innovation is their Water Footprint Compensation (WFC) credit system, which enables corporates to offset their unavoidable water use by investing in certified water replenishment projects. These credits are generated through verified impact interventions — such as wetland restoration, groundwater recharge or improved irrigation efficiency — primarily in high-water-risk regions.
Waterproef is a public laboratory for water quality monitoring and analysis, serving several Dutch water authorities. It supports innovation in wastewater treatment, environmental monitoring and process control, including international projects in fragile contexts.
Wetskills Foundation organises international water challenge events that bring together students and young professionals. Participants co-create innovative solutions to local water issues, developing skills and global connections in the process.
World Water Academy is a leading Dutch training institute for water professionals. It delivers tailor-made capacity building in utility operations, governance and climate adaptation — supporting sustainable service delivery worldwide.