Exercise closing dike passages in Delfzijl this year on September 25
On Wednesday, September 25, the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority and the Hunze en Aa’s Water Authority will be practicing closing the dike passages (the coupures). We will be doing this from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The exercise is repeated every year before the start of the storm season.
The exercise helps us prepare for emergencies. By repeatedly closing the dike passages, we know exactly what to do in the event of high water. Thanks to the work of the water boards, we can live safely with water.
Storm season
Storms and high water levels occur most frequently between October and April. During this period, we are on standby to monitor the dikes and quays. Between the city and the port of Delfzijl lies a 750-meter dike that protects the city from seawater. The dike has four passages that allow access from the city to the port and vice versa. These passages have large doors: two electric roller doors, one revolving door, and one sliding door. We close these doors (the 'coupures') when the water level reaches 3 meters above NAP (Normal Amsterdam Level). It does not remain completely dry behind the doors. That is not a problem: the leaking water goes into the sewer.
There will be no high water on September 25. Once the doors have been closed, we will open them again. This will limit the inconvenience for residents and visitors.
More information about living safely with water:Storms and high water