Ingrid: “EJWP helped me grow into a confident communicator and collaborator”

Ingrid Keupers from Belgium was one of the first participants in the European Junior Water Programme (EJWP). At the time, she was already working as a hydrologist at De Watergroep. She joined EJWP to broaden her perspective and connect with the European water sector. Since then, her role has expanded significantly. She has contributed to policy development, led innovative EU projects, and mentored new colleagues. Ingrid reflects on how EJWP sparked her growth as a communicator and collaborator.

It’s been five years since you first introduced yourself as a participant in EJWP1. How has your journey in the water sector evolved since then?

“It’s incredible to look back and realize it’s already been five years since EJWP1. I’m still working as a senior hydrologist at De Watergroep, but my role has grown significantly. My responsibilities have expanded a lot, which has pushed me to grow both professionally and personally. One important aspect that has become part of my work is building connections with different organisations in Flanders. While it’s not the core of my role, it has been an essential element that has taught me the value of collaboration and exchange in addressing water challenges.”

Can you share some of the key milestones and achievements in your career over the past five years?

“One of the key milestones over the past five years has been contributing to the inclusion of source protection policy in the third generation of river basin management plans. The foundation for this was laid during the project we worked on for De Watergroep as part of EJWP, so it has been rewarding to see those early ideas gaining recognition at policy level. The work on surface water protection will never be finished but being part of this ongoing process feels like an important step forward.”

“At the same time, there has been major progress in data availability and in the tools for data analysis. These developments allow me to generate insights and, just as importantly, to communicate them externally. Being able to clearly show the value of source protection helps others understand why it matters, and this has become a powerful driver in moving the agenda forward.”

What are some of the most memorable experiences you had during your time with EJWP?

“One of the most memorable experiences was staying in a small cabin by a lake in Norway, completely surrounded by nature. There was no running water, which made it both challenging and refreshing. We had to adapt, slow down, and really enjoy the simplicity of the environment. It created a sense of connection, not only with the beautiful setting but also with the people I was with. That mix of adventure, simplicity, and togetherness is something I’ll never forget.”

What challenges have you faced in the water sector, and how have you addressed them?

“A key challenge in the water sector is that awareness of persistent micropollutants is still limited, even though they pose a real threat to the quality of our surface waters. To address this, I actively present the results from our monitoring network to a broad audience. By sharing clear, accessible insights, I aim to increase understanding and motivate action to better protect our water resources.”

Can you tell us about any innovative projects or initiatives you have been involved in recently?

“The last years, I’ve had the chance to be involved in two exciting EU projects that are quite innovative in how they apply technology to environmental protection. The first, CALLISTO, focuses on using satellite data to monitor algae growth in our surface water reservoirs. This gives us a more efficient and large-scale way to monitor potential water quality risks. The second, PERIVALLON, uses satellites and drones to detect environmental incidents in our surface water abstraction areas. Both projects show how advanced technologies can provide new tools to protect vital water resources and respond more quickly to challenges.”

How have your skills and knowledge in the water sector grown since your time with EJWP?

“Since my time with EJWP, my communication skills have developed further. I’ve become more confident presenting to large audiences, and at the same time I’ve also improved in one-on-one communication, learning to adapt my style to better connect with and understand the needs of others. This has been invaluable in sharing insights and fostering collaboration with all the partners that we work with.”

Have you taken on any mentorship roles or provided guidance to new participants in EJWP?

“After EJWP, a new colleague joined as a hydrologist in our team, and I took on a mentorship role to help him get started. Over time, we’ve become equal colleagues and now regularly exchange ideas and discuss approaches together, which has been both rewarding and a great way to continue learning from each other.”

What are your future goals and aspirations in the water sector?

“My vision for the future of the water sector is a society that truly values water as a vital resource, rather than taking it for granted. I hope to contribute by raising awareness and promoting the protection of our drinking water sources. Through the work my team and I do, we aim to help people understand the importance of these efforts and encourage responsible stewardship of water for the long term.”

What advice would you give to new participants joining EJWP today?

“My advice to new participants would be to enjoy and learn from the diverse perspectives everyone brings to the programme. Try to recognize which differences come from culture, sector, or personal preference. Understanding this early on will make future collaborations much smoother and more effective.”

How have you grown personally over the past five years, and what role has EJWP played in that growth?

“Over the past five years, I’ve become much more aware of both my strengths and my weaknesses, and that self-awareness has been a big part of my personal growth. I even decided to follow another personal training programme to continue working on both. EJWP played an important role in this process — it was really the starting point that encouraged me to look inward, reflect, and take active steps to keep developing myself, both as a professional and as a person.”

How do you manage to balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?

“With three children aged 14, 12, and 9, life at home is always lively and busy. Balancing that with a demanding job can definitely be a challenge. What makes it manageable is the flexibility we have at De Watergroep — there’s a strong culture of trust in our team, where we’re given both the freedom and the responsibility to organize our own work. That support allows me to find a balance between my professional responsibilities and family life.”

What keeps you motivated and inspired to continue working in the water sector?

“What keeps me motivated is knowing that my work contributes to providing clean, safe tap water for everyone. Being part of a process that directly protects water quality and serves people gives my work real purpose.”