Dutch Clean Tech Acquires 25% Stake in Guatemala Water Firm

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-14

Dutch Clean Tech, a company based in Heerhugowaard, Netherlands, has raised $17.1 million (€15 million) to acquire a 25% stake in Agua del Mariscal, one of Central America's oldest private drinking water companies. This investment gives Dutch Clean Tech a seat on the board of directors. ### Why Water Matters "Water is becoming one of the world's most strategic resources," says Sander Pielkenrood, CEO of Dutch Clean Tech. "Our ambition goes beyond just building water treatment plants. We want to invest in companies that secure the future of drinking water supply. Agua del Mariscal is a perfect example: nearly a century of history, a unique market position, and huge growth potential." Founded in 2002 by Pielkenrood, Dutch Clean Tech combines smart technology with capital from European investors. The company's technology comes from its sister company, Pielkenrood, which has been developing custom water purification systems since 1962. Sander spent 17 years working with his father to grow that family business. ### How It Works Dutch Clean Tech builds modular, scalable installations that produce clean drinking water and treat wastewater. Governments and industries outsource their water treatment to the company on long-term contracts. Instead of building their own facilities, they pay Dutch Clean Tech monthly for treated water. This setup gives clients quick access to infrastructure and offers investors a secure investment in the global water market, with an average return of 9%. The company operates in the Netherlands, Mexico, Guatemala, and the Middle East. In Guatemala, the drinking water infrastructure is struggling. About 44% of households lack access to safely managed drinking water, and the public network loses between 35% and 50% of its treated water each year due to aging pipes. ### Agua del Mariscal's Growth Plan Founded in 1928, Agua del Mariscal was the first private drinking water company in Central America. It supplies water to households, businesses, and real estate developments across Guatemala City. In 2025, a consortium of Guatemalan entrepreneurs acquired it and launched a growth program. Dutch Clean Tech aims to accelerate that program. The goal is to make Agua del Mariscal Guatemala's largest private drinking water company. Revenue is projected to grow from $3.6 million (€3.1 million) today to $40 million (€35 million) by 2033. The number of connected customers should increase more than fivefold. ### Partners and Investment Dutch Clean Tech is investing alongside partners like Aguas de Valencia, which has been in the drinking water sector for over 130 years. Together, they're putting $60 million (€52.6 million) into Agua del Mariscal's development. - **Key stats:** $17.1M investment for 25% stake - **Revenue target:** $40M by 2033 - **Customer growth:** 5x increase expected - **Average return:** 9% for investors This deal shows how European capital and technology are helping solve water challenges in developing regions. It's a smart play in a market that's only going to grow more critical.