The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has announced that the country has officially entered a water shortage phase. Authorities and drinking water companies are now considering additional measures to manage scarce water supplies, though the exact steps are still being determined.
One option under review is adjusting river weirs and preparing extra pumping capacity. The ministry notes that the Lek weir near Hagestein may be opened slightly to allow more fresh water to flow westward, helping push back saltwater intrusion. According to ‘Rijkswaterstaat’, the escalation mainly affects how regions coordinate. “It becomes easier to implement certain measures, especially when they impact multiple areas”, a spokesperson said.
Dryness
River levels have continued to fall. “In some regions, ditches are completely dry”, the spokesperson added. “Conditions haven’t improved in recent weeks and are unlikely to improve soon”. Despite the drought, the ministry stresses that drinking water remains sufficient. People are urged to use water “consciously”, including taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, and running dishwashers only when full.
Priorities
When water is scarce, certain needs take precedence. Dike stability ranks highest, while recreation and inland fisheries are less important. Drinking water supply is also a top priority. Current drought measures aim to preserve this hierarchy so that water continues to flow to the most essential functions.
The national drought plan states that a water shortage occurs roughly once every five years. One higher alert level exists – a looming national crisis, which typically happens once every ten to twenty years and must be declared by the Cabinet.
Brabant
Bans on drawing water from ditches and streams in Limburg and Central Brabant are being extended. According to the water boards, this is necessary due to the persistent drought. Water Board De Dommel has extended the so-called water withdrawal ban to its entire service area. Until now, an area north of Eindhoven was exempt.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
