The Water Information and Data Centre (Informatiehuis Water) won the Golden API 2026 for its implementation of the Digital Delta API. The Knowledge Platform APIs presented the award on 21 September at Forum Standaardisatie’s anniversary congress.
With this award, the Knowledge Platform APIs (Dutch) highlights inspiring API implementations within the public sector.
Sharing water data faster and more reliably
The Digital Delta API (Dutch) enables standardised data exchange on water safety, quality, and drought. This is crucial for water authorities and other organisations working towards effective water management. By making data available in a uniform manner, organisations can collaborate more easily and respond faster to pressing issues. This includes gaining insight into water quality, assessing water safety, and monitoring drought developments.
Jury: a strong API and a strong ecosystem
This year, the jury evaluated 13 submissions based on social value, ease of use and technical quality. In addition, they considered whether an API offers more than a standalone application and can contribute to a broader digital ecosystem. According to the jury, the Digital Delta API convincingly demonstrates how standardisation and good API design combine to form a powerful digital ecosystem for the water domain.
About the Golden API
The Golden API is an annual award presented by the Knowledge Platform APIs. In 2026, the focus was on inspiring implementations. This meant it wasn’t just the API itself, but rather what the combination of API and application makes possible in practice.
In addition to the Digital Delta API, these other projects also placed highly:
- Diploma Verification via EMREX (DUO): a kind of iDEAL/Wero for the secure, user-friendly exchange of diploma data. The jury praised the combination of security, usability and European cooperation.
- The House of Representatives Open Data API: this API makes parliamentary information accessible and promotes transparency and accountability in democracy. The API was commended for its excellent design and social value.
