About Deltares

Deltares is a Dutch independent research institute for water, soil and subsurface issues. We work on innovative solutions that make life in deltas, coastal areas and river basins safe, clean and sustainable. We conduct research and provide specialist advisory services for government authorities and the corporate sector in the Netherlands and globally. The essence of our work is the development, application and sharing of knowledge. We develop knowledge in partnerships with universities, other knowledge institutions and the business sector, not only in government research programmes but also in contract research. Deltares has more than 800 employees, and we are based in Delft and Utrecht.  

Delta technology

Economic activity, rising populations, falling land levels and the impact of climate change are generating increasing pressure on habitable space in deltas, river basins and coastal areas throughout the world. Deltares has the knowledge and the resources needed to tackle water and subsurface issues in a new, integrated way.

When water, soil and the subsurface are critical factors, the debate will be about more than just technological issues. For example, we take spatial planning into account, together with the range of policy agendas and interests, and legal and economic processes. Nature also plays an important role. So issues must be approached from various angles. Deltares applies the relevant knowledge in integrated ways. Sophisticated combinations of measures result in more sustainable, liveable, and often more economic solutions. We call this integrated approach 'delta technology'.

Our goal is the sustainable shaping of the living environment, using high-grade technological solutions that have the support of society in general.

Strategic plan 2008-2012

Download Strategic Plan - Enabling Delta Life 2008-2012 (in pdf).