Saving drinking water: Insights from industry leaders – A podcast by Radiofabriek (in Dutch)
In the Netherlands, we are used to turning on the tap and always having clean drinking water. But with growing pressure from drought and climate change, that certainty can no longer be taken for granted. A water transition is urgently needed, and the industrial sector has a key role to play.
To highlight this urgent issue and share fresh perspectives, Radiofabriek recorded a special podcast series for New Business Radio, featuring leading voices from across the water technology landscape. The series captures the energy and insights of the ‘Saving (drinking) water in Industry’ TKI Matchmaking event that was co-hosted by Water Alliance, the Netherlands Water Partnership, and TKI Watertechnologie. Note that the podcast is in Dutch.
A podcast series full of expertise and inspiration
In the opening segment, presenter Olivier de Neve explored the urgency of the water challenge with:
- Marette Zwamborn (KWR Water Research Institute)
- Floris den Boer (Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management)
They address the tension between water’s low cost and its perceived importance. As water is relatively cheap, it is rarely seen as a core component for industrial operations, which raises the question of whether the urgency is truly felt. For now, things may still be manageable, but companies looking to expand are already running into problems as, in some areas, no new water supplies to new businesses are available.
An important tool is the water scan, which allows companies to gain insight into their water usage. This increases awareness and leads to targeted saving measures. Since the price of water is relatively low, behavioral change and insight into the ‘integral water costs’ (including energy, chemicals, and discharge) are essential.
Matchmaking events like this one bring together water companies, technology providers, and end users to form consortia and jointly address societal challenges. Their message was clear: we need to act now to secure future water availability. Fortunately, a range of innovative solutions are already emerging. Listen to this Podcast
The podcast highlights best practices from:
- Toon Boonekamp (SWECO) – speaks about the different types of water users, from those involved in wastewater treatment to those producing drinking water. Toon Boonekamp from Sweco presented an innovative project in which rainwater on industrial sites is collected and stored in underground freshwater reservoirs. This storage is intended to bridge periods of drought and is seen as a sustainable solution worthy of replication, provided it is well coordinated with soil and water quality managers. Listen to this Podcast
- Mariska van Dalen (Lamb Weston EMEA) – discusses how water availability plays a crucial role in shaping business locations, a factor that is particularly significant for the food industry. Listen to this Podcast
- Gerrit Veenendaal (NieuWater) – describes how NieuWater has successfully supplied water to industries in a water-scarce region, clearly demonstrating the vast technical possibilities. Importantly, technology also opens up new opportunities for revenue generation. Listen to this Podcast
Furthermore, Rajesh Nidhansing, founder of RN Solutions, passionately shared how a childhood memory of drought in Ethiopia inspired his mission to provide global access to clean water. His start-up develops innovative membrane distillation (MD) modules that purify water using evaporation and condensation powered by low-grade industrial waste heat, offering a sustainable, energy-efficient alternative to conventional methods. Recently awarded at the international Aquatech fair, RN Solutions is gaining recognition. Listen to this Podcast
Other interviewees were Jan-Willem Onnink (WSP) and Roy Tummers (VEMW). They discussed how water-saving technologies are ready but face delays due to rigid Dutch regulations and fragmented governance. Jan-Willem pointed to quicker adoption in Belgium, driven by urgency, while Roy called for stronger regional leadership to overcome policy deadlock. Both noted that water availability, not cost, is industry's main concern, and early action offers greater flexibility. Listen to this Podcast
In a reflective closing segment, SDG impact specialist Annita Westenbroek shared insights from the event floor, emphasising how collaboration is already moving from concept to action. “It’s not just about good ideas anymore, we’re seeing real initiatives take shape.” Listen to this Podcast
Listening to the Podcast
The podcast series was produced by De Radiofabriek for New Business Radio (in Dutch). A compilation of the interviews was broadcast on New Business Radio on 22 May 2025. The full series is available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
These podcasts are part of the TKI Water Technology programme, implemented by the Netherlands Water Partnership and Water Alliance, that supports the transition towards more sustainable water use in industry.
