GRROW

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  What is GRROW?

  The GRROW lab was launched in 2022/2023 as an exploratory study in Waterwijs, the joint research programme of the Dutch drinking water utilities and the Flemish water utility De Watergroep, ...

  Read more about What is GRROW?
• 

  GRROW methodology

  A methodology with four steps has been developed for GRROW: understand the current system and identify the main design principles on which it is based, re-evaluate these design principles ...

  Read more about GRROW methodology
• 

  Scenarios for the future of the drinking water chain

  Following the four steps of the GRROW methodology has led, in both projects, to the development of radically new visions and concepts for the future of water. For example, in 2023, the GRROW...

  Read more about Scenarios for the future of the drinking water chain
• 

  GRROW dictionary

  During the 2024–2025 GRROW lab, the participants worked on a new language for water. Existing words took on new meanings, and new words have been coined that better reflect our relationship ...

  Read more about GRROW dictionary

What is GRROW?

The GRROW lab was launched in 2022/2023 as an exploratory study in Waterwijs, the joint research programme of the Dutch drinking water utilities and the Flemish water utility De Watergroep, Vewin and KWR. The methodology developed in that initial study is producing such interesting results that a GRROW lab was organised in 2024–2025, and work is now under way on a third edition for 2026–2027.

To look to the future with a fresh perspective, GRROW focuses primarily on the youngest generation in the water sector: young professionals aged 35 and under. We start with an intergenerational dialogue during which this generation first engages in discussions with experienced water professionals. We then analyse the principles or paradigms underpinning our current thinking about water. By rethinking and evaluating these principles with young researchers, we can determine which elements we want to cherish and preserve, and which of them require re-evaluation in the future. Based on that review, we are developing concrete tools for the future, such as scenarios for the future or a dictionary. This approach connects young professionals, not only with each other but also with the future of the sector. We use the GRROW methodology for this purpose. Read more about it below.

 

GRROW methodology

A methodology with four steps has been developed for GRROW:

• understand the current system and identify the main design principles on which it is based,
• re-evaluate these design principles together and determine what the design criteria should be for the future,
• redesign the water system on the basis of these design criteria, and
• interpret these results and adapt them for practical implementation.

The researchers have summarised the results of the GRROW lab’s re-evaluation phase in a narrative format in this audio clip, where you can hear a dialogue between a person and water that describes their current relationship. *Please note, you may find this clip to be challenging. 

 

 

Scenarios for the future of the drinking water chain

Following the four steps of the GRROW methodology has led, in both projects, to the development of radically new visions and concepts for the future of water. For example, in 2023, the GRROW project developed three scenarios for the drinking water chain.

Three scenarios have been drawn up on the basis of the views of young professionals during a studio workshop. The scenarios described here represent a possible reality. Some elements of the scenarios are interchangeable, and alternatives or combinations are also possible. The scenarios are explained in detail in the 2023 report, Generational and Radical Rethinking of the Water Sector. A brief explanation and visualisations of the various scenarios can be found below.

 

Water made to measure

In the ‘Water made to measure’ scenario, drinking water utilities supply high-quality drinking water to domestic users, focusing on the end product that is supplied, with less attention being paid to the source. With technical treatment processes, drinking water can be extracted and produced from almost any source. As now, this work is done through centrally organised mains networks managed by each water utility. Drinking water is mainly used for drinking and it is no longer used for other low-grade purposes.

Visualisation of the ‘Water made to measure’ scenario

Download the visualisation of Water made to measure here

 

Dischargers are losers

Environmental protection and source protection are central to the ‘Dischargers are losers’ scenario. Drinking water sources are seen as a precious resource and are therefore protected and replenished, primarily using natural processes. To do this effectively, drinking water utilities work closely with water authorities and local authorities.

Visualisation of the ‘Dischargers are losers’ scenario

Download the visualisation of Dischargers are losers here.

 

Collective chain

The primary focus of the ‘Collective Chain’ scenario is on safeguarding water supplies, regardless of the geographical location. Water utilities are connected to one another through raw water pipelines and they share their water sources in this way. Thanks to this system, water can be distributed efficiently, effectively and fairly to all drinking water customers, and the depletion of vulnerable sources is prevented.

Visualisation of the ‘Collective Chain’ scenario

Download the visualisation of Collective Chain here.

 

 

GRROW dictionary

During the 2024–2025 GRROW lab, the participants worked on a new language for water. Existing words took on new meanings, and new words have been coined that better reflect our relationship with water. The GRROW dictionary visualises and explains the following new Dutch water vocabulary:

• Waterzorg 
• Bronverschillig
• Aquacentrische heling
• Uitgeput 
• Waterlijding 
• Waterlener
• Afscheidsputje

Waterzorg

 

Bronverschillig

 

Aquacentrische heling

 

Uitgeput

 

Waterlener

 

Waterlijding

 

Afscheidsputje

 

Would you like to know more?

You can find out more about GRROW in this report and scientific publication, or by sending an email to grrow@kwrwater.nl.