Do you have land near a water defence (dikes and embankment) or waterway (for example ditches and rivers) in the Netherlands? The Regional Water Authority by-law (keur, in Dutch) states what is and is not permitted. You can check which ‘keur’ applies to your region with your regional water authority (in Dutch). The by-law affects you if you have land or want to carry out (construction) work in the vicinity of a water defence or waterway.
This by-law will be incorporated in the Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet). It will then be called water board regulation. This applies from the moment the Environment and Planning Act has entered into force.
Reprting activities
You have to notify the Regional Water Authority of your activities. In some cases, you will need a water permit. In addition, supplementary water board rules and regulations apply. Do you own or use land in the vicinity of a water defence or waterway? Certain obligations may apply, for example on maintenance.
Damages due to water management activities
Do you suffer damages as a result of activities in water management? You may be eligible for compensation. You can apply for this to the Regional Water Authority or the province if it concerns regional waterways or water defences. Does it concern national waters? Then you apply for compensation to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.
Applying for compensation online via Message Box
At the province of Noord-Brabant you can apply for compensation for damages as a result of activities in water management via Message Box . Message Box is a secure email system that enables you as an entrepreneur to exchange digital messages with Dutch government agencies.
