Profile Vewin
Association of Dutch Water Companies
Vewin is the association of drinking water companies in the Netherlands.
Vewin´s most important activity is to represent the common interests of its members in The Hague and Brussels. Vewin has its offices in Rijswijk (Holland), and has an auxiliary branch in Brussels.
Origin
Vewin was founded on 18 November 1952. In this year there were 198 water companies in the Netherlands, 177 of which were members of the association. There are now 10 water companies in the Netherlands, all are members of Vewin. Next to these members, Vewin also has a special member in Curacao.
The water companies supply clean and safe drinking water, the most essential component for life, something that has been taken for granted by everyone in the Netherlands for decades. Members produce an annual total of some 1.2 billion m³ of drinking water. In 1952, that total was 378 million m³.
Association and offices
Vewin is an association. Its members decide what direction it takes through various means including at the General Meeting of Members. There is also the Committee, comprising the representatives of the members and an independent chairperson. The Vewin office is managed by a nominee of the Committee.
Ambition and strategy
The water companies produce drinking water that meets the highest quality standards. Consumers have a high degree of confidence in both the businesses and the drinking water. The sector would like to maintain this position and strengthen it where necessary. Vewin´s strategy aims to achieve the following:
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effective and efficient lobbying, by which Vewin brings the interests of the sector to the attention of The Hague and Brussels;
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optimal information for members by making the appropriate documents and sources easily available, including through a monitoring system for key stakeholders and issues.
Innovation
Vewin regularly conducts research into how it can meet the changing needs of its members, stakeholders, consumers and society. Innovation in lobbying, communication and technology is key for a water sector that serves as an example to the rest of the world.
Collaboration with KWR Watercycle Research Institute and RIWA
KWR Watercycle Research Institute is the water expertise centre. Together with and for the drinking water sector, they develop and manage the knowledge and know-how used to produce top-quality drinking water, for now and in the future. Vewin and KWR mutually work together, in the Vewin steering committees and the KWR Programme Supervision committees on adjoining policy areas.
RIWA, the Association of River Waterworks, promotes the general interests of the river water companies. The RIWA umbrella organisation comprises three sections which serve the drinking water interests of each of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt basins. Vewin works together with RIWA within the scope of government policy for the river basins.
Relationship with social bodies
In many respects, the interests of water companies reflect those of numerous social organisations.