Saltwater is pushing further inland in the central Netherlands as the ongoing drought reduces the flow of fresh water through the country’s rivers.
According to the Rivierenland Water Board, the problem is particularly noticeable in the river region through the Lek, the Nieuwe Merwede and the River Noord between Dordrecht and Kinderdijk. With much less fresh water flowing downstream, the rivers are less able to push saltwater back towards the North Sea.
The heavier saltwater settles on the riverbed, forming a salt wedge. This wedge is now moving further inland. Increased salinity can harm both agriculture and nature.
To limit the impact, the water board only allows water to enter the Kinderdijk area during low tide. The water board uses this water to maintain levels in ditches, canals and other waterways. During high tide, too much saltwater could enter the system.
“Only when there are no other options left, in the extreme case, will we let the saltwater in during high tide as well,” the water board said.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
