Netherlands, waterland? This is how we will treat our water in the future
NOS News•
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Erika de Joode
editor Online
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Erika de Joode
editor Online
An irrigation ban, warnings for blue-green algae, damage to nature: the consequences of the ongoing drought in the Netherlands are beneficial effects. In the future, future developments due to the development of the climate. What does that mean for how we deal with water management in the future?
The Netherlands and water are inextricably linked, with large rivers, many hundreds of polders and a part of our country that lies below sea level. “It is actually very strange that we have a drought here, because we are bursting with water,” says professor of aquatic ecology Leon Lamers (Radboud University). “But the problem is: we will dispose of it as quickly as possible. That has to change.”
Excess rainwater now ends up in the sewer, while later pipes may end up in rivers and the sea. A shame, Lamers thinks. “Water management should be much more focused on water retention.”
Underground water cellar
This can be done in various ways: above ground, underground, in nature and in the city. For example, the water level of existing ponds and lakes can be raised by a few centimeters, which can create billions of liters of water.
Some cities with underground water storage. In the Rotterdam district of Spangen, for example, rainwater is collected underground, later it is used to fill the adjacent football field. Previously, this mainly happened with drinking water.
An underground ‘water cellar’ was constructed in Apeldoorn last year, with space for 200,000 liters of rainwater. The intention is that in the long term it will be used to water the greenery in the city:
Water shortage? Not if it is up to the municipality of Apeldoorn.
The Union of Water Boards, the umbrella organization of water boards in the Netherlands, applauds those in Rotterdam and Apeldoorn. “Every drop counts,” says one saying. “If everyone develops these types of shapes within their own situation, we can really make a difference and keep the nuisance caused by weather extremes.”
Winding Streams
The water boards, which are responsible for the supply and discharge of water in the Netherlands, are already fully engaged in water retention. This is done, for example, in water storage areas, by meandering water levels on passengers and allowing streams to meander.
The latter means that brooks have been twisted again. Then it stays longer, the excess water is transferred to the sea via rivers and therefore stays longer in the area.
These kinds of measures have an effect, but in the long run they are not enough. That is why the water boards are advocating that water play a greater role in plans for public space.
“A new industrial area with a high water demand in an area that suffers a lot from the drought is asking for problems,” says the says. “To prevent damage and nuisance, we look in advance which functions are useful in an area and which are not.”
Swamp farming and saline cultivation
Professor of aquatic ecology Lamers also says that water should be more important in the future than it is now. Instead of pumping out the water in wet (peat) areas, for example, they can switch to swamp farming, he explains: the cultivation of ‘wet’ crops. Examples are bulrush, from which insulation material is made, and peat moss, for potting soil.
The Union of Water Boards says that marsh is something that the water boards are also thinking about, although this form of agriculture can also have negative effects. “For example, it could be a hotbed for mosquitoes that can carry natural diseases.”
Other crops are also possible, says the aforementioned, such as “saline cultivation”. In the west of the Netherlands and the Wadden area, for example, the cultivation of crops that can withstand salt() water better, such as some potato varieties, has developed. Due to the drought, salinization is lurking in those areas due to seawater ingress.
Nieuwsuur made this video about drought and agriculture two years ago:
changes future-proof water management to prevent irreversible processes, says Lamers, such as the subsidence of nature. “A different type of water management is inevitable for this. With a combination of swamp restoration, real water retention and water conservation, we can make the biggest hit.”
The Union of Water Boards is also interested in moderation with water. “The drought problem belongs to water consumers, they will use water more economically. It is important that we realize that everything is no longer possible.”