Stream valley
The expansion of the balancing lake goes hand in hand with the redesign of the stream valley.
In 2021, it was agreed that the expansion of the De Onlanden balancing lake would go hand in hand with measures in the catchment of the Eelder- and Peizerdiep and the Kop van Drenthe. Together with other parties, we are working on a future plan for the water system outside De Onlanden. We call this a stream-valley-wide approach.
In this plan, we look at water but also at agriculture, nature, and climate change.
Why is this necessary?
Climate change means we are increasingly faced with:
- Heavy rain and flooding
- Drought in summer
- Changes in agriculture and nature
Therefore, more space for water is needed in the long term.
What happens in the stream valley?
- Ditches are becoming narrower and shallower, so that water flows more slowly and is better absorbed into the soil.
- We are considering whether it is possible to raise the groundwater level slightly.
This keeps Groningen dry and makes more water available in the Kop van Drenthe.
What does this have to do with De Onlanden?
The approach in the stream valley also helps De Onlanden. By retaining water upstream for longer, there is less pressure on De Onlanden. This helps us to limit flooding and ensure enough water for agriculture, nature, recreation, and housing.