Bruggeld or toll being collected in the traditional manner in a clog. A rare event these days as the Dutch canals are wonderfully free.
The Rijkswaterstaat administers the main waterways, locks and bridges, together with monitoring water quality. The cleanliness of the canals and rivers is a tribute to the hard work keeping them clean. About half the freight in Holland, both national and international, is handled by water.
With a quarter of the country being at or below sea level it is important that every part of the system is maintained to the highest standards and this is done by 23 Waterschappen or regional water bodies. These are responsible for raising levies to pay for the maintenance of dykes, the water levels, pumping stations and wastewater treatment. Interestingly they are not responsible for the supply of domestic water which is done by ten water utility companies, to the very highest standards.