Budget for 2026 and Multi-Year Outlook 2026–2030 Adopted
The Rijnland Regional Water Authority has adopted the Budget 2026 and the Multi-Year Outlook 2026–2030 under the motto: Continue doing what is necessary. These plans show where Rijnland will be investing in the coming years and why this is necessary.
Rijnland is committed to strong dikes, clean water in ditches, canals and lakes, sufficient fresh water, even during droughts, and future-proof wastewater treatment plants. In doing so, Rijnland takes responsibility. Rijnland is doing what is necessary now and ensuring that costs are not passed on to future generations.
Increasing Challenges and Rising Costs
Rijnland’s work is never finished. Dry feet and clean water require extra effort in times of extreme weather and climate change. New challenges such as combating invasive species, achieving circular goals, and strengthening digital security are added to this. In addition, costs of materials and personnel are rising, for example in the renovation of treatment plants. Rijnland therefore feels compelled to increase tax revenue by 9.5% in 2026.
Efficient Operations
Board member Jan de Vries, responsible for Finance at Rijnland: "To keep costs down, we work efficiently and effectively, seek cooperation with partners, critically review all expenditures, and request contributions from others or apply for subsidies wherever possible. We keep costs as low as possible without compromising the quality of our work."
Water Authority Tax
Regional Water Authorities do not receive money from the national government. Instead, they have their own tax system. Rijnland spends this money on strong dikes, clean water in ditches, canals and lakes, sufficient fresh water, even during drought, and future-proof wastewater treatment plants. Rijnland also uses the funds to keep its debts manageable and maintain its equity level. This way, Rijnland is more resilient to unexpected events and the uncertainties that the future may bring.
Examples of Water Authority Tax 2026
From March 2026 on, Rijnland residents will receive their water tax assessment.
- A single-person household in a rented home will pay €29 more per year than in 2025.
- A multi-person household in an owner-occupied home with a WOZ value of €370,000 will pay €33 extra.
- A small business with three pollution units and a WOZ value of €600,000 will pay €17 extra.
Debt Remission
For residents who are unable to pay, there is a generous debt remission policy. Residents can find more information about debt remissionon the website of Belastingsamenwerking Gouwe Rijnland (in Dutch).
Budget 2026
Rijnland works every day to keep feet dry and water clean. Our most important tasks are: ensuring water safety, clean and healthy water, sufficient fresh water, and water purificationi.
- Water safety: €45 million
- Sufficient water: €95 million
- Clean and healthy water: €19 million
- Water chain: €114 million
- Business operations, organization and services: €55 million
Water Tax 2026
In 2026, businesses and residents will pay a total of €332 million in water board taxes. The costs of Rijnland’s daily tasks are budgeted at €327 million. In addition, Rijnland must set aside funds for future investments, among other things. Together, this amounts to €332 million.
| Practical Rates (€) | 2025 | 2026 | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-person household, not owner | 230 | 259 | 29 | 12.6% |
| Multi-person household, not owner | 420 | 451 | 30 | 7.2% |
| Multi-person household, home WOZ value €370,000 | 506 | 539 | 33 | 6.6% |
| Multi-person household, home WOZ value €500,000 | 536 | 570 | 34 | 6.4% |
| Process industry, WOZ value €30 million, 1,400 p.u. | 140,256 | 141,909 | 1,653 | 1.2% |
| Wholesale, WOZ value €2.4 million, 10 p.u. | 1,506 | 1,574 | 68 | 4.5% |
| Small business, WOZ value €600,000, 3 p.u. | 424 | 441 | 17 | 4.1% |
| Agricultural business, WOZ value €3.48 million, 40 ha, 3 p.u. | 5,844 | 6,613 | 768 | 13.1% |
| Greenhouse horticulture business, WOZ value €420,000, 3 p.u. | 383 | 395 | 13 | 3.3% |
| Nature reserve, area 10 ha | 51 | 52 | 1 | 1.8% |