Durk - Hydrologist
Is it too dry or too wet? I seek answers to these questions. I am an analyst, modeler, and advisor in the field of water quantities that move through the management area of our water authority. But you can also see me as an accountant. How much water enters our area and how much leaves it? And how much water should there ideally be? I take stock of the situation.
‘Data is important for my work’
Making predictions
Together with water level managers, I look at water management. And I perform water system analyses. How much water is there, how much water falls, how much water can we store, and how wide should a watercourse ? Data and models are important in my work. Based on the water balance, a rain gauge, and the weather forecast, you can predict how the pumping stations can best be used pumping stations next day.
‘I check whether choices have the desired result in practice.’
But even if, for example, a new weir be installed somewhere, colleagues ask me to calculate what the consequences will be for water management in the area. I then determine a number of scenarios using precipitation models. Sometimes a model differs from reality. That's why I often visit the site to see whether the choices based on theory have the desired result in practice. And if not, why not? Are there ditches or streams that do not drain water at all, or does the water drain away too quickly? Are the locations of certain waterworks, such as weirs culverts, logical? And what causes certain water levels or groundwater levels? Water management is a challenging puzzle.
Being prepared for climate change
I denk about future water management, such as preparing for climate change. We are experiencing more frequent extreme rainfall and shortages of fresh water. How can our water authority take water authority and, for example, make optimal use of the sponge effect of the soil?
Data training
I enjoy being able to exchange knowledge and experience with colleagues from other water authorities. I do this within the DEEP program, the Data Science and Engineering Expert Program of the Waterschapshuis. This is a training program for digital transformation. Data science is a relatively new field that is becoming increasingly important for water management. I find the data side very interesting and am happy to use this expertise to ensure that we maintain sufficient and clean water in our region.
Will it be water-related work for you too?
We work together to achieve the right water balance. But we believe that a good work-life balance is just as important!Withus, you can combine meaningful work with job satisfaction and good employment conditions.
