Gorinchem/Leeuwarden, 03 February 2025
On the afternoon of January 30, 2025, many offices of water technology companies and other key players in the Dutch water sector may have been slightly emptier than usual. And it wasn’t just due to the flu season. On this day, Water Alliance celebrated its 15th anniversary. The event took place at the Gorinchem exhibition hall, where partner Easyfairs used the occasion to officially launch the Aqua Nederland trade fair, scheduled for March 18, 19, and 20. Over the past 15 years, Water Alliance has grown into a successful model that seamlessly brings together government, science, knowledge, innovation, and business. This collaboration has put Dutch water and environmental technology on the map, both nationally and internationally. The anniversary was not only an opportunity to reflect on the past but also to look ahead to the future.
Before an audience of over 150 attendees, Managing Director Hein Molenkamp expressed his gratitude for the remarkable growth of the organization since its founding in 2010. “Fifteen years ago, we started small but ambitious, with the fertile ground of WaterCampus Leeuwarden as our foundation,” Molenkamp said. “Through strong connections and collaboration, we have created space for our members – and for ourselves – to make an impact, both nationally and internationally.”
“Through strong connections and collaboration, we have created space for our members – and for ourselves – to make an impact.”
Expert groups
Molenkamp highlighted Water Alliance’s strength in matchmaking and its recent merger with industry association ENVAQUA as of January 1, 2025. This expansion brought the organization to over 200 members and enriched it with a wealth of knowledge.
With the addition of nine expert groups, members now regularly share specialized knowledge across various fields, from swimming pools to Legionella prevention and from industrial water use to environmental technology. “With this setup, we cover all knowledge areas within water and environmental technology,” Molenkamp stated. “And through our close collaboration with FME, the Dutch organization for the technology industry, our impact has become even stronger.”
Water Alliance’s international reputation has also grown significantly, a point Molenkamp was particularly proud of. “Dutch companies possess an incredible wealth of knowledge in water and environmental technology. In recent years, we have successfully showcased this expertise across the globe – from Milan to Singapore, from Dubai to the United Nations in New York.”
The future
While the anniversary reflected on past achievements, the focus was primarily on the future. Keynote speaker Heiske Nonnekes inspired the audience with a holistic perspective on future-proofing organizations.
Walter van der Meer, Chair of Water Alliance’s Supervisory Board, also addressed the future of the water technology sector. “We are far from finished. Water scarcity is becoming an even greater challenge. Let’s continue working tirelessly so that in 15 years, water reuse becomes the standard in a truly circular society,” he emphasized.
“What we have achieved so far has also been made possible by a government that shares our vision.”
Molenkamp echoed this vision: “What we have achieved so far has been largely made possible by a government that shares our vision. I am grateful for that. I sincerely hope that in the coming years, we can continue this journey together with government bodies, knowledge institutions, and industry – working towards a cleaner and more sustainable world.”
