# Netherlands water scarcity and management

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-water-scarcity-and-management
> Updated: 2026-11-03T11:07:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

In response to increasing water scarcity, Dutch drinking water companies, such as WMD and Vitens, have begun using behavioral insights to encourage consumers to reduce usage. This initiative aims to mitigate usage peaks during heat and drought by promoting simple changes, such as turning off taps while brushing teeth. Research suggests that 73 percent of Dutch citizens are willing to adjust their usage patterns if requested.

Following an extremely dry summer in 2026, which reportedly caused 9.2 billion euros in economic damage, twelve dike reeves and water managers have called for a national program to ensure water availability. They are requesting increased national oversight, more investment, and an acceleration of the Delta Program Freshwater. Proposed measures include increasing the storage capacity of the main water system, improving soil water retention, and implementing national regulations for groundwater distribution.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-03: Dutch water managers call for national program amid drought risks

Dutch water managers are urging the national government to implement a freshwater availability program following severe droughts that caused billions in economic damage.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dutch-water-managers-call-for-national-program-amid-drought-risks

### 2026-10-26: Dutch water companies target consumer behavior to reduce usage

Dutch water companies WMD and Vitens are implementing behavioral strategies to reduce water consumption and manage usage peaks during droughts by encouraging small household habit changes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dutch-water-companies-target-consumer-behavior-to-reduce-usage

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Cite as: Netherlands water scarcity and management. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/netherlands-water-scarcity-and-management