Dutch Clean Tech Raises $17M for Guatemala Water Deal

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-14

Dutch Clean Tech, a company based in Heerhugowaard that builds and operates water treatment projects globally, has raised $17 million. This funding allowed it to buy a 25% stake in Agua del Mariscal, one of Central America's oldest private drinking water companies. The money came from existing investors. As part of the deal, Dutch Clean Tech gets a seat on Agua del Mariscal's Board of Directors. ### Why This Deal Matters "Water is becoming one of the world's most strategic resources," said Sander Pielkenrood, CEO of Dutch Clean Tech. "Our ambition extends beyond developing, financing, and operating water treatment facilities. We also aim to invest in companies that play a critical role in securing the future of drinking water supply." He called Agua del Mariscal "a perfect example: a company with nearly a century of history, a unique market position, and tremendous growth potential." ### The Backstory Founded in 2002 by Sander Pielkenrood, Dutch Clean Tech claims it makes clean water available to industries and governments through a mix of smart technology and capital from European investors. It's built on more than 60 years of experience from its sister company, Pielkenrood. Sander spent 17 years working alongside his father to grow the family business. Since 1962, Pielkenrood has developed custom water purification systems for oil/water separation, supplying industrial customers worldwide. ### How It Works Using Pielkenrood's technology, Dutch Clean Tech created a modular, scalable system for producing clean drinking water and treating wastewater. Governments and industries outsource their water treatment on long-term contracts. Instead of investing in their own facilities, they pay monthly for treated water. "This gives them quick access to the right facilities and offers our investors a valuable, secure investment in the fast-growing global water market, with an average return of 9%," the company said. ### The Guatemala Opportunity Dutch Clean Tech operates in the Netherlands, Mexico, Guatemala, and the Middle East. In Guatemala, drinking water infrastructure is struggling to keep up with population growth. About 44% of households lack access to safely managed drinking water. The public network loses between 35% and 50% of its treated water each year due to aging pipes. ### Agua del Mariscal's Legacy 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 the company and launched a growth program. Dutch Clean Tech aims to accelerate that plan. The goal: transform Agua del Mariscal into Guatemala's largest private drinking water company. Revenue is projected to grow from about $3.6 million today to more than $40 million by 2033. The number of connected customers is expected to increase more than fivefold. ### The Investment Partners Dutch Clean Tech is investing alongside prominent international partners, including Aguas de Valencia, which has been active in the drinking water sector for over 130 years. Together, the partners will invest a total of $60 million in Agua del Mariscal's future. ### Key Takeaways - Dutch Clean Tech raised $17 million from existing investors - The company acquired a 25% stake in Agua del Mariscal, a Guatemalan water firm - Agua del Mariscal was founded in 1928 and is Central America's oldest private drinking water company - The investment aims to address Guatemala's water infrastructure crisis - Revenue targets call for growth from $3.6 million to $40 million by 2033 This deal shows how strategic water investments can create value while addressing critical global needs.