🌊 Innovation Meets Heritage: Learning Water Construction in Friesland

“We don’t need to build something new every time.”

These words from Hugo, a water management construction student at SPŠ Stavební Brno in the Czech Republic, perfectly capture an important lesson from his experience in the Netherlands. 🇨🇿🇳🇱

Hugo participated in the Water Weeks in Leeuwarden, organised by CIV Water. For a future construction professional in the water sector, Leeuwarden — widely recognised as the European Capital of Water Technology — offers a unique learning environment.

During the programme, Hugo explored the WaterCampus, a hub for water innovation, research, and collaboration between education and industry. He also visited the historic Woudagemaal pumping station in Lemmer, the largest still operational steam-powered pumping station in the world.

The visit highlighted something essential: water management is not only about developing cutting-edge technologies. It is also about understanding and optimising existing infrastructure.

In the province of Friesland, new water technologies are carefully integrated with historical systems to create sustainable, efficient solutions that protect communities from flooding. This balance between tradition and innovation ensures that people’s feet stay dry — now and in the future.

Through experiences like these, PoVE Water demonstrates how international collaboration strengthens practical knowledge and prepares students for real-world challenges in the water sector. 💧🌍