Platform on civil engineering, underground infrastructure, energy, construction equipment & construction machinery
The Dutch water sector faces a confluence of urgent challenges around water quality, availability, climate adaptation and sustainability. Against this background, Aqua Netherlands 2026 emphatically positions itself as a substantive knowledge and networking platform where policy, implementation, industry and knowledge institutions meet. Aqua Netherlands 2026 takes place on March 17, 18 and 19 in Evenementenhal Gorinchem.
The sharpened positioning of Aqua Netherlands builds on the successful March 2025 edition. Back then, the trade show in Gorinchem brought together 6,116 unique professionals from the Dutch water sector. The exhibition floor grew to 307 exhibitors and the knowledge program included more than 65 substantive knowledge sessions, spread across the entire water chain. Visitors rated the edition with an 8.2, while exhibitors gave it a 7.6. With this, Aqua Netherlands confirmed its role as a relevant knowledge and meeting moment for the sector.
For the 2026 edition, the emphasis is explicitly on deepening content and practical applicability. Three central themes form the backbone of the program: Innovation and digitization in the water chain, focusing on data, sensoring and smart networks as support for better management and informed decision-making.
The circular and energy-neutral water chain, with topics such as energy recovery, resource recovery from wastewater and reuse of water flows.
Sufficient and clean water, with focus on water quality, availability and system resilience under pressure from climate change and tightened regulations.
These themes are developed within four recognizable water sub-segments: wastewater and wastewater treatment, drinking water production and distribution, process water for industry and urban water, sewer management and climate adaptation. In doing so, the program connects to the daily practice of diverse professional audiences within the water sector.
The substantive direction of Aqua Netherlands 2026 is supported by the involvement of leading market and knowledge players. Confirmed partners include Endress+Hauser, Noardling, Xylem, Water Purification Alliance and Royal Dutch Water Network. Their participation underlines the focus on knowledge sharing, practical experience and sector-wide cooperation.
During Aqua Netherlands, the WaterWerkPlaats literally puts technology in motion. At the location where in 2025 the fitteries competitions took place, visitors step into an interactive learning environment where they get to work with water technology themselves. From drinking water and waste water to installations for heat and cold transfer, recycling and the disposal of (dirty) water: the WaterWerkPlaats shows how it works, by doing it.
During Aqua Netherlands 2026 several side-events will take place that offer deepening and broadening of the program. For example, Deltares and Bouwend Nederland organize their own sessions on applied research and the role of the construction sector within water issues, respectively. In addition, Royal Dutch Water Network is hosting a student program aimed at connecting young talent to the water sector.
With this format, Aqua Netherlands 2026 aims to offer professionals from the water sector a substantively strong and practice-oriented platform for knowledge sharing, exchange of experiences and exploration of strategic choices. Aqua Nederland 2026 will take place on March 17, 18 and 19, 2026 at Evenementenhal Gorinchem. For more information, see https://www.aquanederland.nl/
