Waterboard results will be submitted later Thursday due to high turnout

Photo: DutchNews.nl

The Dutch water association Unie van Waterschappen is due to announce the provisional results of the water board election later on Thursday, following Wednesday’s vote.

Higher-than-expected voter turnout has delayed some of the state’s election tallies, which has had ripple effects on the water department’s results, the organization said.

In total, 13.3 million Dutch citizens and about 900,000 foreigners were able to vote for 21 water authorities. In 2019, voter turnout was just 51%.

The role of the Water Authority dates back centuries and its job is literally to control the water within its territory. This includes maintaining dikes and locks, ensuring that water levels remain constant and wastewater is properly purified.

Each water authority has its own elected steering and executive committees with 18 to 30 seats. Chairman or mayor dichgraf.