Watervisie, more space for water

An extremely dry and hot July followed by a very wet August. According to the new climate scenarios issued by the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI) this is the typical summer of the future. Heavy precipitation with huge amounts of water falls over a short period of time in several places. With drainage and sewage systems overflowing in times of extreme weather, the need for a better water storage policy is obvious.

Water management system

Drawing on the experience of heavy rains and subsequent flooding over the last years, The Hague and Delfland have signed agreements that ensure the creation and maintenance of a performing and robust water management system for The Hague before 2015.

Studies are still being conducted but several concrete measures are being taken. The action plan addresses the following areas of The Hague:

Scheveningen
Loosduinen
Duindorp-Vogelwijk
City Centre, including parts of the Veen- and Binckhorstpolder
Eshofpolder
Noordpolder
Mariahoeve
New areas: Wateringse Veld, Ypenburg, Leidschenveen and Oostmadepolder

Water storage facilities

Studies carried out by Delfland (ABC-Delfland) have shown the need for improved water storage. At present the water pumping station in Scheveningen is being enlarged so that in the future it can pump larger volumes of water into the sea. A number of large water storage facilities are being built in the region and building plans for new neighbourhoods are required to foresee water storage solutions in the future.

Water related issues are not always compatible with urban living. Innovative solutions and good cooperation between neighbouring municipalities, building corporations and project developers is not only desirable but necessary.