Construction of monitoring network progresses

Environmental Manager Silvia Mosterd:

“We are installing measuring points at 25 locations around the lake. The monitoring network will be fully operational later in 2026. The measurement data will then be accessible to everyone on our data portal.”

Let's go back to why we're setting up this monitoring network. Silvia: "We're putting monitoring points in lake Lauwersmeer and the surrounding nature and agricultural areas so we can track the salt content at different locations and depths every day. On land, there are 25 groundwater wells, with two monitoring wells in each well, one shallow and one deep. Measuring points have now been installed at 16 locations. The remaining monitoring wells will be installed in the first half of 2026."

"These measuring points will give the water authority insight into the interaction between freshwater and saltwater. The data will help us with our research into a more natural transition between freshwater and saltwater. Until 2028, we will be exploring how we can allow saltwater to enter in a controlled manner to improve the ecological water quality and ecosystem of lake Lauwersmeer." 

Measuring buoys in lake Lauwersmeer 

Last week, measurements were taken at the R.J. Clevering locks with a boat. Silvia: "These are the first measurements in the lake. They are already providing us with data that helps us better understand how the fresh-salt dynamics between the Wadden Sea and lake Lauwersmeer can work at the Clevering locks. We are also using this data to determine where we want to place measuring buoys. We will install them in lake Lauwersmeer in the spring of 2026." 

Online dashboard 

The data from the monitoring wells on land will soon be available to everyone. Silvia: "Those measurement data will be entered into water authority data portal. To provide even better insight, we are also creating a user-friendly dashboard. With the help of the measuring points, the water authority hopes to answer questions such as: what is the freshwater-saltwater distribution in the lake throughout the year? Where is the boundary between freshwater and saltwater? How can we control this? We still have to be patient, but I cannot wait to see how the saltwater behaves." 
 
If you have questions about the monitoring network or the placement of measuring points, please send an email to Lauwersmeer@noorderzijlvest.nl.