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A water board (Dutch: ''waterschap'' or ''hoogheemraadschap'', Flanders and Northern France: '''', German: ''Wasserverband'') is a regional organisation charged with the supply of water and care of water levels in its area. THE NETHERLANDS Water boards are among the oldest government authorities in the Netherlands. They literally form the foundation of the whole Dutch system of local government; from time immemorial they have shouldered the responsibility for water management for the residents of their area. In polders this mainly involves regulating the water level. It has always been in the common interest to keep water out and polder residents have always had to work together. That is what led to the creation of water boards. The structure of the water boards varies, but they all have a general administrative body, an executive board and a chairperson. The general administrative body consists of people representing the various categories of stakeholders: landholders, leaseholders, owners of buildings, companies and, since recently, all the residents as well. Importance and financial contribution decide how many representatives each category may delegate. Certain stakeholders (e.g. environmental organisations) may be given the power to appoint members. The general administrative body elects the executive board from among its members. The government appoints the chairperson for a period of six years. The general administrative body is elected for a period of four years (as individuals, not party representatives). Unlike municipal council elections, voters do not usually have to go to a polling station but can vote by mail or even by telephone. Due to mergers, there are 27 water boards in The Netherlands (2006). Their borders don't coincide with municipal borders. UNITED KINGDOM See Also: Water Services Regulation Authority UNITED STATES See Also: Fresh water supply district Minnesota See Also: Watershed district |
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