European water law in transition: the challenge of integration

Abstract

European and domestic national water law have witnessed a number of developments, which can be described as the development from a national territorial approach towards a transnational integrated approach. Initially, Dutch water law for example, sought to offer protection against flooding. More recently, the focus has been on integrated water management according to a water systems approach. Attention is thereby devoted to both the quality and the quantity of groundwater and surface waters. The relationship with other policy areas, such as the environment and spatial planning, is also recognized. Dutch water law in so offers important insights into the impact of European regulation.