Navigating Water Resilience and Geopolitics: Insights from Wim Drossaert, CEO of Dunea

In this episode of the Exec Exchange 15-minute podcast, host Piers Clark engages in a compelling conversation with Wim Drossaert, the Chief Executive of Dunea in the Netherlands. The podcast delves deep into the intricacies of water resilience, water quality, and the geopolitical challenges faced by the water sector in Europe and beyond. Wim shares his journey through the water industry and provides invaluable insights into how Dunea navigates these complex issues.

A Journey into the Water Sector

Wim Drossaert’s path into the water sector began with a diverse academic background, including chemistry, environmental science, and biology. His passion for marine biology led him to conduct research between Indonesia and Australia before returning to the Netherlands to work with Dutch consultancies in the water and environmental business. In 2007-8, he transitioned to a global perspective through his work with Montgomery Watson Harza (now known as Stantec), where he managed operations in North Europe, the UK, and eventually on the global board in Denver.

Dunea: Challenges and Solutions

Dunea serves a densely populated area between The Hague, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam, where water resources face unique challenges due to the region’s low elevation below sea level. With all groundwater being brackish or salt water, Dunea relies on the River Moose and the River Rhine for fresh water, leading to complex issues with pollution due to industrial and agricultural discharges upstream. Wim describes how Dunea uses dunes as natural filtration and storage systems for water sourced from rivers. The process involves pretreatment, storage in the dunes, and post-treatment, all while facing the constraint of rapid population growth and increasing demand for drinking water. As Wim explains, the solution lies in diversifying water sources, including exploring desalination and treatment of brackish and wastewater.

Addressing Water Quality in a Geopolitical Context

The conversation delves into the geopolitical nuances of water quality management, as Wim highlights the challenges of engaging international stakeholders in shared river systems. The complexity of international water management necessitates a concerted effort to protect rivers and maintain their potability amidst changing climate conditions. Wim emphasizes the importance of comprehensive regulation across national boundaries to ensure environmental protection and sustainable water quality management. He calls for collaboration and enforcement to prevent pollution and address the impacts of climate change on river flow and pollution concentrations.

Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty

In an unpredictable world, ensuring a reliable water supply amid potential droughts, cyber attacks, and infrastructural challenges is a pressing concern for Dunea. Wim discusses the strategies implemented to maintain resilience, including a focus on local energy generation and preparation against potential geopolitical threats. Drawing lessons from other global events, Wim emphasizes the importance of being self-sufficient and prepared for chaotic scenarios, ensuring the continuation of safe and reliable drinking water services.

Conclusion

Reflecting on his career, Wim expresses gratitude for choosing the water sector, despite its seeming lack of glamour. He underscores how deeply rewarding and impactful the industry is, providing opportunities to work across cultures and geographies. For those considering a career in water, Wim advises embracing the sector with open arms, given its vital role in global sustainability and resilience. As the conversation wraps up, Piers and Wim highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing economic priorities with water sustainability. The importance of comprehensive planning and an integrated approach to geopolitical dynamics cannot be overstated as Dunea charts a course for future water security and resilience.

Wrap-Up

Join Piers Clark and more industry leaders as they explore the challenges and innovations reshaping the water sector. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Exec Exchange podcast to learn and be inspired by the stories of those leading change in this critical industry.