Water Management in the Netherlands

Having the right amount of water for water users, at the right time, in the right place, and at socially acceptable costs is one of the key targets for the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment.
Our infrastructure and the ground rules still suffice, but the capabilities have been stretched to the limits. Climate change and sea level rise prompt a re-examination of our water management. The resilience of the main water system, the water infrastructure and the ground rules are up for reconsideration. Water usage has also changed and new facilities are needed. We can only respond to the forecasted climate changes if we are fully conversant with the way the main water system works. The question is, are we still familiar with the background, the operation and the rules of our water management? This document seeks to contribute to answering that question.

Water management system

The description of our water management system includes a short history of the geological creation of the Netherlands and an account of the interventions that took place over the centuries to protect the country from highvolume river discharges or storm tides.
Land reclamation and other hydraulic engineering projects, such as the excavation of channels to the sea and the canalisation of rivers, are also briefly discussed.

Water distribution

We also look at water distribution, focusing on the main water system, the regional system and the interaction between them. Water distribution under normal circumstances is distinguished from water distribution in the event of flooding or water shortage. The relation with safety and salinisation is explained as well.

Climate change

Finally, we discuss the current bottlenecks and the problems we can expect as a consequence of climate change and soil subsidence. Where relevant, the various themes will be related to the designated users.

Movie: “Het stroomt zoals het stroomt”

Language: Dutch with English subtitles

The viewer will visit four locations used for water distribution in the Netherlands:

• a bifurcation point in the Rhine,
• a weir in Driel,
• a pumping station in Zutphen,
• the Haringvliet sluice gates.

Each location has its own role in the distribution of water. The infrastructure and the ground rules are still suffice, but the capabilities have been stretched to the limits. The question is, are we still familiar with the background, the operation and the rules of our water management?

Download movie: “Het stroomt zoals het stroomt”
Duration movie: ca 12 minutes