Interview A.M. Hummelen, J.P. van der Hoek - The added value of the collective BTO water research program in the Netherlands and Flanders

“KWR Water Research Institute, an independent water research institute, is the main implementor and coordinator of the Joint Research Programme with the Dutch water utilities, the Flemish De Watergroep and the branch association Vewin. This year, the programme celebrates its 40th anniversary. In this interview with Anne Mathilde Hummelen, Manager Joint Water Sector Research programme at KWR and Jan Peter van der Hoek, Chief Innovation Officer at Waternet, we learn a bit more about this unique collaboration and how it can inspire other countries to follow in its footsteps.
Please tell us a bit more about the BTO initiative. Anne Mathilde Hummelen (AMH): The BTO is the collective research program for the Dutch water utilities, the Flemish De Watergroep and the branch association Vewin. KWR is the principal coordinator of the joint research program. The collaboration started 40 years ago and has contributed to Dutch drinking water’s high quality and reliability. Think of chlorine-free drinking water, low leakage losses, and self-cleaning water distribution networks.”

(Citation: Interview A.M. Hummelen, J.P. van der Hoek – The added value of the collective BTO water research program in the Netherlands and Flanders – www.smartwatermagazine.com (2023)13 March)