Water & wastewater

Commercial and industrial projects require the use of water, e.g. as a means of production, as a coolant or as a cleaning agent. They also have an impact on water bodies through water abstraction, wastewater discharges, changes to water bodies and the introduction of substances into water bodies. The permissibility of commercial and industrial projects now depends almost without exception on compliance with the prohibition of deterioration and the requirement to achieve objectives under water law.

Equally important is the disposal of wastewater in a manner that is safe for health and the environment. On the one hand, the requirements for wastewater disposal are constantly increasing (keywords: microplastics, trace substances, fourth treatment stage), which has triggered the development of ‘product responsibility under water law’. On the other hand, wastewater is increasingly seen as a resource containing many valuable and useful substances that should be returned to the economic cycle. The best example of this is the recovery of phosphorus from sewage sludge. Wastewater law is clearly undergoing a development comparable to that of waste law, which has evolved from disposal law to circular economy law.

We advise companies of all sizes and from all industries, water authorities and (special-purpose) water associations on all matters relating to water law. This includes, in particular, the prohibition of deterioration under water law and the requirement to achieve objectives, the abstraction of water from surface waters and groundwater bodies, measures for water maintenance and development, the construction and operation of supply and sewage networks and sewage treatment plants, and the discharge of sewage and other substances into water bodies. We support our clients in administrative proceedings under water law, such as the granting of permits/authorisations for water use and approvals for (waste) water facilities, in proceedings concerning connection and usage obligations, and in proceedings concerning fees and contributions.