Is Dutch water management fit for the future? This was the principal question discussed by all governing bodies responsible, at their first meeting, shortly after the current government came into office in 2012. All agreed on the need for a future-oriented vision on water management – a vision focused on the challenges ahead, that would enable us to address potential problems in our water management in a well-reasoned way. Such a vision could help us explore possible solutions, anticipate policy changes and equip our governance structures accordingly.