Waterkwaliteit op de Kaart Symposium 2026
On 25 March 2026, the Koninklijk Nederlands Waternetwerk hosted the 8th edition of the Waterkwaliteit op de kaart (WOK) Symposium. Under the theme "From Insight to Impact", the event gathered researchers and policymakers to discuss how the Netherlands can move from simply collecting data to achieving real improvements in water health by 2026.
About the event
The WOK Symposium is a long-standing forum dedicated to improving collaboration between the various parties responsible for Dutch water quality. Organised by the KNW Water Quality Thematic Group, the 2026 edition focused on using map layers and integrated data to identify bottlenecks and solutions in the water system. Key sessions throughout the day explored:
- Area-based monitoring: Practical experiences from agricultural catchments, including leaching into surface waters.
- Policy and enforcement: Addressing plant protection product limits and indirect discharges through joint enforcement.
- Technological insights: Updates on the National Water Quality Portal and the management of emerging threats.
GREENHOOD at the event
GREENHOOD’s presence at the symposium was led by Deltares (co-coordinator of the Rhine, Meuse & Scheldt Basin demo-region) and KWR.
The event served as a strategic platform to showcase the project’s objectives to national water authorities, focusing on how regional technical data can drive more effective policy. During the sessions, Inge van Driezum (KWR) presented progress from the Vinkenloop site, a key Dutch demonstration area where we are currently validating nature-based solutions like woodchip bioreactors and sedimentation ponds.
Beyond the technical exchange, the symposium provided a direct networking opportunity. Through the "Map Carousel" and informal sessions, our partners established contact with key stakeholders who will be central to our upcoming Governance Labs. By connecting with decision-makers, we ensure that the practical lessons learned at the Vinkenloop site contribute directly to the "Regional Water Assessment Framework" and broader Dutch water quality goals.