More space for watercourse maintenance
Noorderzijlvest Water Authority maintains many kilometres of watercourses. We do this so that we can drain water during wet periods and supply water during dry periods. By mowing these watercourses, we keep the water free of vegetation and the banks free of shrubs and trees.
Safe mowing
During the maintenance of watercourses, the safety of our employees is our top priority. Sometimes there is only one and a half metres of space for our maintenance staff to mow. For this, we use so-called “narrow-track machines.” These machines pose significant safety risks to maintenance personnel on narrow mowing paths. To ensure employee safety, the Board of Directors of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority decided to use four-metre-wide maintenance paths in the future instead of one-and-a-half-metre-wide paths. Having a uniform type of maintenance path also provides clarity inside and outside the water authority. In addition, the water authority can now mow with a single type of machine, reducing costs associated with purchasing and maintaining different types of machinery.
Decision Board of Directors
The Board of Directors decided to use four-metre-wide mowing paths in the future. The board emphasises that employee safety is always paramount. Narrow machines are not always stable and tip over more easily than other machines. It is therefore important to mow all watercourses on wide-track equipment.
Owners adjacent to the watercourses of Noorderzijlvest are expected to tolerate the water authority 's changed working method.
Widening in January 2028 at the earliest
Transitioning to this new working method for approximately 500 kilometres of maintenance paths requires a careful process. The new working method is therefore expected to take effect on 1 January 2028 at the earliest. We understand that this decision will affect adjacent property owners. Because we are aware of the sensitivities involved, we will consult those affected before implementing the decision. The water authority takes ample time to do this carefully. During these discussions, there will be opportunity to discuss how we can jointly implement the decision. The intention is to decide before 1 July 2027 on how the process will be implemented so that we can account of the so-called cultivation plans of farmers.