Guide to water resources

The availability of water is essential for both people and nature. The large-scale extraction of groundwater is one of the causes of the desiccation of nature in the Netherlands. Water is important for humans, for example for drinking, for industrial purposes, as bathing water and as a medium in which to discharge substances.

Index Water resources

• Introduction Water: developments in consumption in the Netherlands and the consequences for nature and the environment
• Fresh surface water balance for the Netherlands
• Water extraction and water consumption in the Netherlands, 1976-1996, 1976-1996
• Extraction of groundwater by industry and water companies in the Netherlands, 1950-2000

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Index Societal developments by target sector
  This section contains information about water consumption by target sector.
• Index Emissions to air, water and soil
• Index Quality of surface water
• Index Desiccation theme
• Index Measures for soil and water