Legislation and policy for the protection of the drinking water supply in The Netherlands

The drinking water supply in The Netherlands is particularly influenced by the pollution of surface water with organic micropollutants as the country is located at the delta of the polluted rivers Rhine and Meuse. Also ground water pollution, resulting from intensive industrial and agricultural activities in this densely populated country, is becoming increasingly important. Consequently the Dutch Government has great interest in international research, discussions and agreements concerning the protection of raw water sources. This paper summarizes the drinking water quality regulations together with the present legislation and activities carried out for the protection of both surface water and ground water. Most measures are now taken in the international frameworks of the EC (European Community) or IRC (International Rhine Commission), but in the Dutch legislation and sanitation policy additional activities are being carried out to safeguard the quality of drinking water in The Netherlands. Finally the policy of the Dutch government to continue the safe and durable provision of drinking water in the future is discussed.