Features and overview map

The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority operates in a large part of Groningen, in north and central Drenthe, and in a small part of Friesland. We contribute to waterproofing the future. We work to ensure clean, healthy, and treated water, and we provide sufficient water in every season.

We use pumping stations to pump water into and out of the area. This helps us combat drought or high water levels, for example. We also treat the water used by residents and businesses.

With a region of 144,000 hectares and home to almost 400,000 people, we have an area full of challenges.  

  • For example, we have a sea-level rise to the north of our region, and our dykes need to be able to cope with that.  
  • We also have subsidence in the central part of our region. This causes the water level to rise and makes it more difficult to drain water. 
  • We are also experiencing increasing periods of extreme drought and precipitation, and are dealing with concerns about water quality.

In short: our water authority manages a unique area where all these developments have a major impact on our work. 

Where do we work?

Our region comprises north and west Groningen, northwest Drenthe, and the entire Lauwersmeer area. The area is located in the triangle between Lauwersmeer, via the Groningen-Frisian border to Smilde, via the city of Groningen to Delfzijl, and via the Wadden Sea coast back to Lauwersoog.

Noorderzijlvest on the Map

The Map shows the region of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority. This area is located in the triangle between:

  • A part of Groningen, north of Eemskanaal and west of Noord-Willemskanaal up to the Frisian-Groningen border.
  • The northwestern part of the city of Groningen is also located within our region.
  • A small part of the province of Groningen near Grootegast comes under Wetterskip Fryslân.
  • Part of north and central Drenthe, between the Drenthe-Frisian border and Noord-Willemskanaal and Drentse Hoofdvaart to just beyond Smilde.
  • A piece of Friesland, the Frisian part of Lauwersmeer.

Not sure which water authority is yours?

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