Mapping water quality

The Netherlands faces a serious problem: our water quality is among the poorest in Europe. Yet, awareness of this issue – both among the public and decision-makers – remains limited. Without clear and accessible information, it’s difficult to build the urgency and momentum needed for change. 

Goal of the project

This project aims to improve both the monitoring and the awareness of water quality issues across the Netherlands by: 

• Creating structured national open data on water quality 

• Developing clear, easy-to-understand visualizations of this data 

• Sharing the results with the public, politicians, and responsible authorities 

From Data to Awareness 

In this project open water quality data at national level will be collected and structured, ensuring it is transparent, reliable, and accessible. Through visual dashboards, maps, and infographics, complex datasets will be transformed into clear and engaging insights. 

These visualizations will: 

• Inform citizens about the state of their local waters 

• Support policymakers with evidence-based decision-making 

• Encourage responsible authorities to take targeted action 

Driving Change 

By making water quality data visible and understandable, this project aims to: 

• Raise awareness of the urgent need for improvement 

• Build public support for stronger water protection measures 

• Influence policy decisions towards achieving healthier rivers, lakes, and coastal waters 

More information 

 Visit the data viewer on: Water op de kaart

Executive project partners 

• Natuur & Milieu 

• NIOO KNAW 

• Accenture