Drinking water, it seems so self-evident …

July 1, 2026
More and more drinking water is needed. This is not only due to population growth and increased economic activity in the Netherlands, but also because it is warmer more often. On hot days, your body finds it more difficult to cool itself down. This so-called heat stress causes water to be used more frequently, for example to cool buildings and in the garden. As a result, the demand for drinking water comes under extra pressure.

In 't Gooi, drinking water is primarily produced from groundwater. This is very old rainwater lying deep in the soil. This groundwater is pumped up and then purified into drinking water. This is a fine and relatively inexpensive way to produce drinking water, and it is done in this manner in large parts of the Netherlands. 

Other sources of drinking water

When demand increases, it is important that drinking water companies can ensure a sufficient supply. In the Gooi, that demand is growing. Therefore, consideration is also being given to other sources. For instance, PWN, Vitens, and Waternet are jointly exploring the possibility of producing drinking water from surface water in the Gooi. With additional sources, more drinking water can be produced, and we are working towards ensuring that there is always enough drinking water available.

Tips to save water

But in addition to producing more water, it is even more important that we conserve water, especially during warm periods. On average, every Dutch person uses about 125 liters of drinking water at home per day. We do not use most of the water that comes out of the tap for drinking. More than half goes to showering and the toilet. On hot days, we all use much more water than normal, for example for cooling and watering. As a result, supplies in the Gooi region can temporarily become too low.

Five tips to save drinking water:

  1. Water the garden only early in the morning or late in the evening. Almost everything evaporates during the day. Collect rainwater in a barrel and use it for plants.
  2. Shower shorter: If you shower for five minutes, it saves tens of liters per person per day.
  3. Use the small flush button on the toilet whenever possible.
  4. Pay attention when brushing your teeth, lathering up, and cleaning. Letting the tap run for a shorter time often helps immediately.
  5. Do not refill paddling pools: cover the pool and keep it clean. This way you can use the water longer.

This is how companies in the Gooi are working on additional opportunities, while you help at home by using water more wisely. For more information, go to: drinkengooi.nl.