The acronym RIZA stands for Rijksinstituut voor Integraal Zoetwaterbeheer en Afvalwaterbehandeling (Institute for Inland Water Management and Waste Water Treatment). The RIZA is the research and advisory body for the Rijkswaterstaat (the Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management) for inland water in the Netherlands and a leading international centre of knowledge for integrated water management.
The institute collects data on and conducts research into water quality and quantity. On the basis of these data the RIZA makes recommendations concerning the management of inland water in the Netherlands and abroad. This wide-ranging remit requires a multi-disciplinary approach. From biochemists and hydrologists to computer professionals and management experts, the RIZA\'s staff represent a wide variety of specialisms.
The RIZA has four main departments:
- Wetland Development and Restoration: research and advice on the restoration of wetlands to their natural state
- Water Systems: research and advice on the integrated management of inland waters
- Water Pollution Control: research and advice on waste water treatment and emission levels
- Information and Measurement Technology: collection and processing of data and research in specialist laboratories
