Pioneering circular water use in the Netherlands

With drinking water shortages looming even in water-rich countries like the Netherlands, and climate change bringing longer dry spells and more intense rainfalls, the need for sustainable water systems is urgent. In an average Dutch home, only 3% of daily water use is for actual consumption—yet all of it is treated as wastewater. A new approach was needed to dramatically reduce both drinking water demand and wastewater output.

As part of a groundbreaking 10-year pilot, Mark & Elvira Rotteveel installed a fully circular water system in their home combining Hydraloop H300 and MijnWaterFabriek’s SafeWater technology. Hydraloop plays a central role by treating and reusing greywater from showers and baths for the toilet and washing machine—doubling the use of rainwater inside the home.

The system works in two stages: rainwater is collected via a coarse filter into a 10m³ tank, then purified for hygienic use in the shower, bath, sinks, and garden. Hydraloop then collects and treats the greywater from the bath and shower for a second use—in the washing machine and toilet. Only the kitchen uses mains water.

The result is a smart, circular water solution that cuts drinking water use by over 90% and reduces wastewater by 40%. The entire system is continuously monitored for water quality and performance.

“To live as sustainably as possible, save drinking water (liquid gold), capture stormwater, and inspire others to integrate sustainable water solutions in their home or project. We want to be a motor for the water transition we are facing!”

With its strong business case and replicable design, the project offers valuable insight into scaling water reuse solutions for sustainable housing developments like Gnephoek—and beyond.

When we started build our new house in 2023, our goal was to save as much as drinking water as possible. We combined a rainwater storage and purifying system with a Hydraloop H300. Because of the Hydraloop, it’s possible to use the rainwater 2 times and safe as much as drinking water as possible (more than 90%!).

– Mark & Elvira Rotteveel

Project information

• Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands.
• 4 person household 
• Project type: Hydraloop H300 in combination with rainwater buffertank and purifying system for hygienic use

Usage details

• Collection sources: Shower and bath
• End uses: 2 toilets and washing machine

Contact details

• www.circulairwater.com
• +31 644 752 563
• info@circulairwater.com