Expert Group on Biocides and Disinfection

Microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can directly threaten public health, as well as indirectly through food and water (drinking water, industrial water, wastewater, surface water). Microorganisms can lead to poorly performing systems, resulting in unnecessary energy consumption. Some microorganisms are resistant to existing biocides.

The Expert Group on Biocides and Disinfection aims to minimize the negative impact of microorganisms—in the broadest sense. Therefore, we strive to provide information as accurately as possible to everyone involved with biocides and disinfection. By being transparent, answering questions, participating in the Biocides Platform, and engaging with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, we work towards this goal.

“Misinterpreting legislation and regulations poses a risk when it comes to biocides and disinfection. We neutralize the noise on the line.”

Legislation and regulations

We do everything we can to provide clarity regarding biocides and disinfection, particularly by consistently informing about legislation and regulations. We collaborate with the Biocides Platform, the Dutch government, and the European Union (EU) in this effort. The Expert Group on Biocides and Disinfection communicates all documents shared by the Biocides Platform—documents that describe the latest developments regarding biocides and regulations. To enhance readability, the Expert Group on Biocides and Disinfection creates its own interpretations of these documents.

Objectives of the Expert Group

We aim to minimize the negative impact of microorganisms—in the broadest sense. We do this by:

• Ensuring and improving water and food quality;
• Reducing the energy costs for households and businesses;
• Ensuring that society continues to recognize and appreciate the value of biocides;
• Continuing to effectively combat resistant microorganisms;
• Reducing the amount of biocides administered by exploring innovative methods (combination techniques) to achieve the goal.

Expert group members:

Chair:
Matthijs Westerlaken

• Rogier van den Brink – Holland Water
• Richard Bruins – Ferr-Tech
• Ewout Buter – Smartwash Solutions
• Boris Colsen – Colsen Adviesbureau
• Joost Edens – VDH Watertechnologie
• Kaspar Groot Kormelinck – Van Remmen UV Technology
• Edwin Ham – ACN Watertreatment
• Manfred Jansen – ACN Watertreatment
• Alfred Koop – Watter
• Henk van der Laan – Normec Kalsbeek
• Jeroen Lijkendijk – Nijhuis Water Technology
• Maarten Remmerswaal –Nobian
• Rixt Sinnema – Water Alliance
• Henri van der Sluijs – Novochem Watertreatment
• Alwin Verstraeten – Anodamine Europe
• Ron Vos – IMCD Benelux
• Karen Wagemaker – Solenis Pool Systems
• Matthijs Westerlaken – Blygold Laboratories
• Maureen Wiersma-Asmowiredjo – FME
• Leo de Zeeuw – Holland Water

SDGs as guidelines

In the expert groups, we use the SDGs as a guideline to address the sustainability goals of our organizations collectively as an industry, both nationally and internationally. Water Alliance’s ambition is to keep our environment livable and healthy while limiting and managing climate change. Together, we work diligently to achieve the best possible outcomes and inspire other countries to improve. The Expert Group on Biocides and Disinfection specifically focuses on the following SDGs:

Would you like to contribute to our expert group?

We are always open to enthusiastic parties who want to contribute to our expert group. Do you have a specific question? Need more information? Interested in joining our expert group? Please get in touch with us!