What Waterschap Zuiderzeeland does

Waterschap Zuiderzeeland is a Dutch regional water authority (waterschap), an autonomous public-law corporation established under Dutch water management legislation, headquartered in Lelystad, Netherlands. It is responsible for water safety, water-level management, water quality, and wastewater treatment across approximately 150,000 hectares of polder in Eastern and Southern Flevoland and the Noordoostpolder, serving roughly 365,000 residents, agricultural users, and industrial/commercial enterprises. Parts of this territory lie up to five meters below sea level, requiring active pumping-based water management through seven major pumping stations (gemalen) including the historic Gemaal Wortman (a Rijksmonument) and the largest, Gemaal De Blocq van Kuffeler, which moves approximately 361 million m³ of water per year. The organization also maintains 251 km of dikes, 250 km of pressure pipelines, 70 sewage pumping stations, and five wastewater treatment plants (AWZIs), and monitors water quality at 10 official swimming locations during the May–October swimming season.

Its core technology stack spans industrial-scale five-stage wastewater treatment (screening, primary sedimentation, activated-sludge aeration, secondary sedimentation, effluent discharge); the proprietary Ephyra® two-stage sludge digestion process (7 days at 37°C plus 8 days), which converts sewage sludge to biogas for combined heat-and-power generation and supports energy neutrality at sites such as AWZI Tollebeek; ultrasonic foam-pig inspection of pressure pipelines at millimeter accuracy; and an innovative wave-dampening foreshore (vooroever) design being deployed across roughly 12 km of the 17 km IJsselmeerdijk. Operational technology has expanded to include certified-pilot drone inspection of waterways, dikes, and project sites.

The organization is funded primarily through waterschapsbelasting (water authority taxes levied on properties within its jurisdiction) and government allocations, including national Hoogwaterbeschermingsprogramma (HWBP) funding for flood-defense projects. It does not operate a commercial revenue model: pricing is not publicly listed, no revenue is disclosed, and services are delivered as statutory public goods through a citizen self-service portal (mijn.zuiderzeeland.nl), a 24/7 call center, and physical offices. Governance is exercised through a Dijkgraaf, Heemraden, and an elected Algemeen Bestuur.

Name

Waterschap Zuiderzeeland

Legal name

Waterschap Zuiderzeeland

Website

https://zuiderzeeland.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Waterschap Zuiderzeeland is a Dutch regional water authority managing water safety, water levels, water quality, and wastewater treatment for approximately 365,000 residents across 150,000 hectares of polder in Flevoland, Netherlands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Water Authority / Regional Water Management Services

NAICS

Water, Sewage and Other Systems (2213), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241), Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs (92411), Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (22131)

SIC

Water Supply (4941), Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900), Pumps & Pumping Equipment (3561), Water, Sewer, Pipeline, Comm & Power Line Construction (1623)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Supply & Wastewater Utilities Administration (BPAIACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Treated Water Storage & Pressure Management (Reservoirs, Tanks, Booster Stations) (EUANAAAD), Water & Wastewater Compliance (NPDES/Stormwater, Pretreatment, Drinking Water/SDWA) (EUAHABAB), Pump Systems & Pumping Stations (Surface, Submersible, Booster) (AFAAACAC)

Keywords

• Regional water management
• Wastewater treatment services
• Flood protection infrastructure
• Water quality monitoring
• Polder water management

Headquarters

HQ city

Lelystad

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Others

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Waterschap Zuiderzeeland is a Dutch regional water authority (waterschap) that manages regional water safety, water levels, water quality, and wastewater treatment for the polders of Eastern and Southern Flevoland and the Northeast polder in the Netherlands. It operates seven major pumping stations, 70 sewage pumping stations, five wastewater treatment plants, 250 km of pressurized wastewater pipelines, and 251 km of dikes, serving approximately 365,000 residents across 150,000 hectares of polder land that lies up to five meters below sea level.

Product overview

Waterschap Zuiderzeeland provides public water management services for the polders of Eastern, Southern Flevoland, and the Northeast polder (approximately 150,000 hectares serving 365,000 residents). The core service portfolio consists of water level management through seven pumping stations (gemalen), wastewater treatment via five wastewater treatment installations (AWZI), and 70 sewage pumping stations connected by 250 kilometers of pressurized pipelines. Supporting services include blue-green algae monitoring, water quality surveillance, and public education campaigns like 'Zuivere Doorspoelers.' Major infrastructure projects include the IJsselmeerdijk reinforcement (HWBP). Technology initiatives include Ephyra® sludge digestion for biogas production and drone deployment for inspections. Digital services include an online citizen portal (mijn.zuiderzeeland.nl) and VR tours of facilities. The organization operates as a government authority rather than a commercial product company, offering public services and infrastructure rather than packaged software products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Gemalen (Pumping Stations)

Quantifiable outcome

• 314 million m³/year water pumped by Gemaal Colijn (125,000 Olympic swimming pools)
• +4 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• LTO NoordminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026LTO Noord (agricultural sector organization) partners with Waterschap Zuiderzeeland and the Province of Flevoland within the Actieplan Bodem & Water (ABW) program. This cooperation supports agricultural entrepreneurs in reducing emissions of pesticides and fertilizers to surface water through coaching programs and practical solutions.
• Combinatie IJsselmeerdijk (Boskalis and Van Oord)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 July 2025A consortium of Boskalis and Van Oord ('Combinatie IJsselmeerdijk') was contracted in July 2025 for the IJsselmeerdijk reinforcement project. Boskalis and Van Oord are jointly responsible for the design and execution of the dike strengthening, including a unique 12 km wave-dampening foreshore and 5 km of traditional dike reinforcement measures. The project is part of the national Hoogwaterbeschermingsprogramma (HWBP) and runs from 2025-2030, with physical works starting in 2026.
• Provincie FlevolandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 March 2025Province of Flevoland contributes to the nature development of the foreshore for the IJsselmeerdijk and co-funds the upgrading of the inspection path for recreational use. The province signed agreements in March 2025 with Waterschap Zuiderzeeland and Rijkswaterstaat to enhance biodiversity and recreational facilities. The province also coordinates the environmental permit process for the project.
• RijkswaterstaatcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 March 2025Rijkswaterstaat contributes to the nature development of the foreshore for the IJsselmeerdijk and co-signs agreements with the province and water authority for the environmental and recreational aspects of the project. As the national water management authority, Rijkswaterstaat is a key partner in the HWBP national program.
• Gemeenten Lelystad en DrontenminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 March 2025Municipalities of Lelystad and Dronten are partners in the IJsselmeerdijk project, contributing to integrated water management and recreational improvements along the dike. They were part of the original intent declaration signed in 2022 with other regional partners.
• Het Flevo-LandschapminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 March 2025Nature organization Het Flevo-Landschap is a partner in the IJsselmeerdijk project, contributing to the nature development aspects of the foreshore and biodiversity enhancement. Signed the 2022 intent declaration for a safe, green, and recreational IJsselmeerdijk.
• CircogemaalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCircogemaal is an initiative focused on circular reuse of materials in the water sector. Waterschap Zuiderzeeland partnered with Circogemaal for the renovation of Rioolgemaal Marknesse to investigate how components could be reused, waste reduced, and waste streams better separated and sorted by material type. This partnership supports the circular economy goals of the water authority.
• Provincie FlevolandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Province of Flevoland collaborates with Waterschap Zuiderzeeland and LTO Noord in the Actieplan Bodem & Water (ABW) program, which aims for healthy soil and clean, healthy surface water. The ABW program supports the goals of the European Water Framework Directive (KRW).
• UbeeominorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUbeeo processes incoming job applications for Waterschap Zuiderzeeland. They ensure applications are stored in appropriate systems and delivered to the water authority. Ubeeo does not review application content. The data is then forwarded to HR staff handling the recruitment process.
• aannemer van GelderminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAannemer van Gelder was contracted by Waterschap Zuiderzeeland to carry out the replacement of a wastewater transport pipeline in the Tussen de Vaarten area of Almere (2026), including laying temporary pipelines during construction.
• Solvoy BVminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSolvoy BV was the contractor that performed the renovation of Rioolgemaal Marknesse, including full renovation of the pumping station, replacement and enlargement of pumps, renewal of electrical installations, and building repairs.
• Spit (Almelo)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSpit from Almelo was contracted to revise the electromotor of one of the pumps at Gemaal Colijn. The motor (approximately 4 meters in diameter, over 70 years old) was transported to Spit for inspection, cleaning, repair, and reassembly.
• Gemeente LelystadminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipality of Lelystad is a partner in the IJsselmeerdijk project, contributing to recreational improvements and integrated water management. Part of the 2022 intent declaration for the project.
• Gemeente DrontenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipality of Dronten is a partner in the IJsselmeerdijk project, contributing to recreational improvements and integrated water management. Part of the 2022 intent declaration for the project.
• STOWAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTOWA (Stichting Toegepast Onderzoek Waterschapsbond) is the Dutch foundation for applied water research. Waterschap Zuiderzeeland collaborates with STOWA for national research on wastewater treatment improvements.
• SAF (Samenwerking Afvalwaterketen Flevoland)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAF is a cooperation framework between the province, municipalities, and Waterschap Zuiderzeeland for the management of the sewage system and small-scale treatment facilities in Flevoland.
• Omgevingsdienst Flevoland Gooi- en VechtstreekminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe Omgevingsdienst Flevoland Gooi- en Vechtstreek (regional environmental service) handles blue-green algae reports for official swimming locations in Flevoland, reachable at 0320 265 700. They also handle environmental permits and enforcement for the region.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Rijkswaterstaat: National Dutch agency managing main water infrastructure (rivers, canals, large lakes, primary dikes). Strategic counterpart and co-funding partner of Zuiderzeeland on HWBP projects like IJsselmeerdijk, operating at a national rather than regional scale.

Direct peers

• Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland: Dutch regional water authority responsible for water management, dike maintenance, and water quality in the Rijnland region (South Holland). Directly comparable as another waterschap performing identical statutory water management functions under the same Dutch legal framework.
• Waterschap Hollandse Delta: Dutch water authority managing water in the South Holland islands region, including dikes, pumping stations, and wastewater treatment. Direct peer performing the same statutory waterschap functions on similar low-lying polder geography.
• Waterschap Rivierenland: Dutch water authority responsible for water management in the Rivierenland region (Gelderland, South Holland, North Brabant). Comparable peer performing identical statutory water management, dike maintenance, and wastewater treatment functions across a large area.
• Waterschap Scheldestromen: Dutch water authority responsible for water management, dike safety, and wastewater treatment in Zeeland. Direct peer operating under the same waterschap legal framework with similar coastal/low-lying polder management responsibilities.
• Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg: Dutch water authority for the Limburg region, performing wastewater treatment and water management under the same waterschap structure. Comparable peer with similar operational scope in water treatment and quality management.
• Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Visscher: Dutch water authority managing water safety, water quality, and wastewater treatment in the Amsterdam region and Gooi- en Vechtstreek. Performs the same core waterschap functions as Zuiderzeeland, including pumping, wastewater treatment, and dike maintenance.
• Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier: Dutch water authority managing water in the North Holland region above the North Sea Canal, including dike maintenance and water quality. Performs identical statutory functions as Zuiderzeeland under the same Dutch waterschap legal framework.

Broad incumbents

• Vitens: Largest drinking water company in the Netherlands, supplying drinking water to 5.6 million residents and businesses. Broad incumbent in the Dutch water sector with overlapping infrastructure (treatment, distribution) though focused on drinking water rather than wastewater.

Regional players

• Waternet: Amsterdam's water utility, the only Dutch organization combining drinking water supply, wastewater treatment, and water management (as the execution arm of Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Visscher). Comparable in integrated water services but serves a more urban geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/Zuiderzeeland1
• Facebookfacebook.com/zuiderzeeland
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/waterschapzuiderzeeland
• Instagraminstagram.com/waterschapzuiderzeeland

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Waterschap Zuiderzeeland