Its role is the practical execution of the public works and water management, including the construction and maintenance of waterways and roads, and flood protection and prevention.

The agency was also involved in the construction of big railway projects such as the Betuweroute and the HSL-Zuid.

The mission statement of the organisation reads: "Rijkswaterstaat is de rijksdienst die werkt aan droge voeten, schoon en voldoende water én aan de vlotte en veilige doorstroming van het verkeer" (Rijkswaterstaat is the national agency that provides dry feet, clean and sufficient water and a quick and safe flow of traffic).

The current director-general of Rijkswaterstaat is Martin Wijnen, who assumed office on 1 January 2024.

The regions are divided in local water- en wegendistricten (water and road districts), formerly known as dienstkringen.