The Efteling theme park and Coca-Cola in the Netherlands are launching a joint water project in North Brabant. The aim is to capture, retain, and filter groundwater. By expanding three existing ponds on the Efteling grounds, more water will infiltrate the soil. Completion is planned for 2027, marking 75 years since the park's opening and 70 years since the establishment of the Dutch Coca-Cola factory in Dongen.
The project involves increasing the capacity of the ponds by raising the water level in the existing large ponds. In addition, one of the ponds will be expanded to nearly three times its current size. Initial investigations and tests indicate that this will allow an additional significant amount of water to seep into the ground each year. In dry summers, this natural water storage will serve as a buffer for Efteling, keeping the water surfaces in the park at a consistent level and irrigating the vegetation.
Shared Responsibility
Both Efteling and Coca-Cola in the Netherlands have deep roots in Brabant. For both companies, returning water to nature is of great importance, as it is for the Province of North Brabant. The Natuurpark de Efteling Foundation was instrumental in the park's founding, which is why preserving the nature-rich environment is a priority. The goal is to make the area more future-proof and self-sufficient for future generations.Coca-Cola has the ambition to return all the water used in production and as the main ingredient in its soft drinks to nature. Jeroen van Vliet, vice president at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Nederland, emphasizes that water is essential for people, nature, and their products. He sees a shared responsibility to protect the catchment area where both are active. With this project, they are taking their long-standing collaboration to a new dimension and taking a tangible step.
Fons Jurgens, general director of Efteling, explains that the park has extracted almost no groundwater since the 1990s, thanks to the Klaterwater system. This natural water filter further purifies wastewater from the Kaatsheuvel treatment plant so that it can be used to fill the water surfaces. It is clear that the natural landscape, including ponds and lakes, is of great value to the visitor experience. Therefore, they want to preserve and enrich this environment for future generations. It is fantastic that this is possible through this collaboration.
The Province of North Brabant is Enthusiastic
The Province of North Brabant welcomes the partnership between Efteling and Coca-Cola. Saskia Boelema, deputy of the Province of North Brabant, highlights that sustainable water management is a shared responsibility. This project shows how innovative solutions and local involvement go hand in hand. By naturally capturing, retaining, and infiltrating water, the parties are concretely contributing to restoring the groundwater balance and to a future-proof living environment. The circular system not only replenishes the groundwater reserves in Brabant but also explicitly contributes to the provincial ambition to counteract evaporation. She sees it as an inspiring example of joining forces and is proud that it is taking place in the province. They look forward to the results.With their joint commitment, Efteling and Coca-Cola in the Netherlands aim to contribute to preserving the groundwater balance in the area. They hope to show that collaboration can provide solutions to major challenges like climate change and water scarcity. This is not intended as an endpoint but as a starting point for more joint actions.
