Dutch water boards spent millions of euros on measures to tackle last summer’s drought. The money went towards temporary pumps, dike inspections, extra mowing, repairing cracks in dikes and removing dead fish. This is according to an ANP survey of the Netherlands’ 21 water boards.
The Hollandse Delta water board in South Holland said it had spent “at least 1 million euros” on technical measures and additional personnel.
De Stichtse Rijnlanden has spent €660,000 so far. According to a spokesperson, the total is still rising because temporary pumps continue to supply water. Pumping stations also need extra maintenance because of “prolonged operation under severe conditions”.
Rijn en IJssel estimates that its drought measures have cost around €300,000. Water boards in Limburg and Zeeland reported costs of “several hundred thousand euros”.
All water boards said they had incurred additional costs, but most cannot yet provide exact figures.
“Part of the work is still ongoing, and the evaluation has yet to be carried out,” the Rijnland Water Board said. “Therefore, a complete overview cannot be provided at this time.”
Withdrawal ban
The Netherlands experienced one of its driest summers on record. High temperatures, a prolonged lack of rain and dwindling water supplies from major rivers forced water boards to take measures to protect dikes and nature. Many of these measures remain in place.
For example, a ban on water abstraction is still in effect in parts of the south and east. This means people cannot take water from ditches, streams and canals.
“It is the first time we have an abstraction ban that extends beyond October 1,” Waterschap Limburg said.
Pumping stations are also still supplying 6,000 litres of water per second from Utrecht province to the west. This helps maintain water levels and prevent salinisation. As a result, some locks have been opened less frequently than usual for months.
“The drought is not over yet,” Rijn en IJssel said. “It needs to rain a great deal more in the coming months to start the new drought season of 2027 with a restored water system.”
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