Water Quality in the greater Rotterdam area // Episode 3 - Stakeholders Analysis

Chapter 2: Stakeholder Analysis

2.1 Identification

2.1.1. Evides

Evides is the drinkwater supplier for the south-west of the Netherlands, including the city of Rotterdam. They extract water from seven sources and supply drinking water through ten production facilities, including one in Kralingen which supplies water for the city of Rotterdam (Evides, 2024b).  Evides’ interests include supplying water for commercial and private use to parties in Rotterdam, ensuring sustainable water management practices are in place for long-term water availability and complying with environmental regulations while making profits (Evides, 2024a). They influence the grand challenge as it is their responsibility to manage their resources effectively and prevent water scarcity and contamination. Evides cooperates with several partners to achieve this. One of these partnerships is with Schone Maaswaterketen; a collaborative partnership of water authorities, drinking water suppliers, and governmental agencies which implement quality-controlling interventions and host collaborations to improve water management (Schone Maas Waterketen, 2023). Furthermore, the company cooperates with the COASTAR initiative to secure freshwater supplies by facilitating hydrogeological and underground storage research (COASTAR, 2024). Another partner of Evides is BlueCity Circular Water, which focuses on promoting circular water management in urban areas and transitioning from traditional water sources to yellow, grey and black water reuse (BlueCity Circular Water, 2024). 

2.1.2. Agriculture and horticulture sectors

The agricultural and horticultural sector includes farmers, agribusinesses, and related industries that depend heavily on water for irrigation, livestock, and crop production. These parties have access to farmland and supporting infrastructure and are essential for food production in the Netherlands. Their interests include maintaining water availability and quality for farming, minimizing operation costs and complying with environmental regulations. The agriculture and horticulture industries influence the grand challenge by demanding a large supply of clean water, causing pollution in water due to pesticide and fertilizer runoff, and contributing to water scarcity during dry periods (CLO, 2023).

2.1.3. Petrochemical sector

The petrochemical sector encompasses companies producing plastics, chemicals and other petrochemical products. These companies operate large-scale industrial facilities with advanced technology in the chemical field. Their interests include maintaining a reliable water supply for their operations, meeting economic targets and complying with environmental regulations. Petrochemical businesses influence the grand challenge by relying on suppliers such as Evides Industriewater for sustainable processes, cooling, and demi water (Evides Industriewater, 2024). Furthermore, these companies are large-scale polluters due to their discharge of persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) substances into water systems. Many existing permits to tackle this issue are either outdated or prohibit a limited selection of substances, leaving many unmonitored (RIWA-Maas, 2024).

2.1.4. Government 

The government protects water resources and maintains infrastructure through the development and reinforcement of policies and regulations (Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu, 2017). Within the government, the responsibility of water management is shared across different levels. One of the main governmental bodies in terms of water management is Rijkswaterstaat, which is responsible at the national level. Their resources include maintaining national infrastructures such as dams and weirs for flood prevention and maintaining clean water (Agentschap Rijkswaterstaat, n.d.). Moreover, the Waterschappen are responsible on the regional level. Their expertise lies in smaller water systems within their jurisdictions (Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat, 2024c). Meanwhile, the municipalities are responsible for groundwater management in urban areas  (Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat, 2024c). Waterschappen, the municipality, and Evides work together on the project “Alliantie Waterkracht”, which strives towards a circular water system (Bestuursakkoord Water & Klimaat, 2021). These stakeholders share an interest in sustainable water systems and water quality and hereby play a significant role in the grand challenge. 

2.1.5. Residents

Evides delivers water to residents in the greater Rotterdam area. They are the end-users of drinking water, making them a crucial stakeholder for Evides (Over Evides, n.d.). Residents’ primary interest is decreasing health risks that are associated with polluted water because as end-users, they are directly impacted by water shortages, pollution and availability. However, residents’ water usage and disposal behaviour conversely affects water security as well. Therefore, they play a significant role in addressing the challenge of water scarcity and water pollution (OECD, 2022; Tweede Kamer, 2024). In addition, residents possess the resources of collective influence to pressure industries or policymakers to enhance their sustainable practices (Krit, 2024; NOS, 2023a). 

2.1.6. Deltares

Deltares is an independent research institute that works on innovating water and subsurface management (Deltares, n.d.). Deltares is a valuable stakeholder as their expertise in sustainable water management is crucial for Evides. The interests of Deltares in the grand challenge originate from the companies’ main goal of tackling the social issues of water security (Deltares, n.d.). Even though their goal is increasingly challenged by the consequences of climate change, Deltares’ expertise and technical solutions positively contribute to the grand challenge.  

2.1.7. Media

The media is an important stakeholder for Evides. Because media platforms play a significant role in creating public opinion (Kiryakova et al., 2020), spreading information and awareness (Aşıksoy et al., 2020), and enabling accountability of company actions (Zembla, 2023a), they have a crucial influence the grand challenge. By addressing events of concern, such as PFAS pollution, water shortages, or sustainable initiatives, the media drives engagement and action of the public in tackling water security issues. 

2.2 Classification

The following section systematically categorizes the previously identified stakeholders using two established frameworks: Clarkson's (1995) distinction between primary and secondary stakeholders, and Mitchell et al. (1997) stakeholder identification and salience framework.

2.2.1 Evides

Evides is considered a primary stakeholder because it directly manages the extraction, purification, and distribution of water in the Greater Rotterdam area (Evides, 2024b). The water management system’s functionality depends on its active involvement, making it indispensable for addressing the region’s water security challenges. Evides has high power because it controls critical water infrastructure that dictates water availability and quality, and, also, its position as the sole provider of drinking water for the region grants it a central role in resource allocation and decision-making. Next to high power, Evides also holds high legitimacy as a state-regulated utility provider mandated to serve the public interest while adhering to strict legal and environmental standards. This legitimacy is reinforced by the trust placed in the company by both residents and industries, which rely on its services for survival and growth. The legitimacy aspect is further reinforced by partnerships that Evides actively fosters both to enhance its capabilities and sustainability efforts and, ultimately, to address the sustainability grand challenge multi-dimensionally (Evides, 2024b). The level of urgency for Evides is high as well because it faces immediate pressures to address worsening water pollution, rising treatment costs, and increasing demand, particularly under the threat of climate change-induced challenges such as salinization and drought. Evides’ high power, legitimacy, and urgency make it a definitive high-salient stakeholder, central to the success of any sustainable water security initiative and hence of the effective resolution of the grand challenge.

2.2.2. Agricultural and Horticultural Sectors

The agricultural and horticultural sectors are both primary stakeholders because they consume substantial water resources for irrigation and are significant contributors to water pollution, making their involvement crucial to addressing water security (CLO, 2023). Both sectors have high power due to their economic importance and substantial water usage, which gives them leverage in resource allocation and policymaking discussions (IDDRI, 2024). Furthermore, their urgency can be considered as high because they face immediate threats from water scarcity, salinization, and increasing competition for freshwater resources caused by climate change. However, the legitimacy of the agricultural and horticultural sectors is low, as their practices often conflict with sustainable water management goals. For example, the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers exacerbates water pollution, undermining efforts to improve water quality. Being characterized by high power, and urgency but low legitimacy, these stakeholders are considered to be dangerous, expectant stakeholders. Given their critical role in the system, these stakeholders require careful monitoring, active engagement, and collaboration to ensure their practices align with sustainable water management goals.

2.2.3. Petrochemical Sector

Just like the agricultural and horticultural sectors, the petrochemical sector is considered to be a primary stakeholder because its operations rely heavily on water resources, and it significantly contributes to water pollution (RIWA-Maas, 2024). It has high power due to its economic influence and control over industrial facilities, which are vital to the regional and national economy. The sector’s lobbying capabilities and financial resources further enhance its ability to influence policy and resource allocation. Its urgency is also high, as water scarcity, pollution regulations, and rising operational costs directly impact its profitability and sustainability  (Nenov, 2021). However, the sector’s legitimacy is low, as, similarly to agricultural and horticultural Sectors, its industrial activities often conflict with environmental and social objectives. As a dangerous expectant stakeholder, the petrochemical sector requires robust regulatory oversight and active engagement to mitigate its negative impacts on water quality and turn them into positive ones.

2.2.4. Government

The government is considered a primary stakeholder because it has both the authority and resources to shape water management policies, oversee infrastructure, and ensure that stakeholders adhere to environmental and public welfare standards. The government has high power because of its ability to create and enforce regulations, allocate funding, and coordinate stakeholders at national, regional, and local levels. The government’s high legitimacy stems from its democratic mandate to represent the public interest and its accountability to citizens in safeguarding essential resources like water (Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu, 2017). However, the urgency for the government is moderate compared to other stakeholders, as its focus often includes long-term planning rather than immediate operational challenges. Despite this, the government’s involvement is critical in balancing competing priorities, such as economic growth, environmental protection, and public welfare. Its combination of high power and legitimacy, but moderate urgency, positions it as a dominant, expectant stakeholder, capable of influencing the system, while obviously requiring collaboration with other actors.

2.2.5. Residents

Residents are primary stakeholders because they are directly affected by the availability, quality, and affordability of water resources in the Greater Rotterdam area (Over Evides, n.d.). They have low power individually, as they lack the ability to directly influence water management decisions or infrastructure investments. However, collectively, residents can exert influence through public opinion, protests, and conservation efforts, which can pressure other stakeholders like governments and utilities. Residents possess high legitimacy because access to clean, safe, and affordable water is a basic human right, making their needs central to any water security strategy. The urgency for residents is also high, as they face immediate consequences from issues like water scarcity, pollution, and rising water charges and taxes (NL Times, 2023). Health risks from contaminated water, along with financial strain caused by increasing water-related costs, make addressing their concerns an important priority. As dependent expectant stakeholders, residents rely on other actors, such as Evides and the government, to ensure their access to clean and affordable water. 

2.2.6. Deltares

Deltares is a primary stakeholder because its expertise and technological innovations directly contribute to addressing water security challenges in the Greater Rotterdam area. The institute has high power due to its scientific knowledge and ability to develop solutions for critical issues such as salinization, flood prevention, and pollution control (Deltares, n.d.). Additionally, Deltares has high legitimacy as an independent research institute focused on public and environmental welfare, earning the trust of governments, industries, and other stakeholders. However, its urgency is moderate, as its work primarily addresses long-term challenges rather than immediate crises. Hence, as a dominant expectant stakeholder, Deltares’ combination of power and legitimacy ensures its influence in shaping sustainable practices and policies.

2.2.7. Media

The media represent a secondary stakeholder because it does not directly rely on or control water resources, but plays an influential role in shaping public opinion, raising awareness, and holding primary stakeholders accountable. The media have low power, as it cannot enforce changes or allocate resources directly. However, its ability to disseminate information and mobilize public support indirectly influences the behaviour of other stakeholders, such as residents, governments, and corporations (Kiryakova et al., 2020). The media has high legitimacy, as it is perceived as a platform that highlights systemic issues and promotes transparency. Its urgency is moderate to low, as it typically just responds to crises and emerging trends in water security rather than proactively addressing them. Hence, as a discretionary, latent stakeholder, the media’s role is critical in ensuring accountability and fostering dialogue among stakeholders.