Maintenance of dikes and quays

We maintain dikes and quays so that they remain strong enough to hold back water. Every six years, we test whether the dikes and quays are still strong enough. This allows us to identify in good time which sections need to be repaired.
We are responsible for the 70-kilometer-long sea dike between Lauwersoog and Delfzijl. Behind the coastline lie many rivers, lakes, ditches, and canals. Alongside all this water, there are also 450 kilometers of dikes and quays. We take care of these together with owners and site managers.

When planning maintenance for our dikes and quays, we primarily consider:

  • Water in which boats sail. The flow and waves caused by boats cause erosion of the dikes and quays. 
  • Places where the impact of gas extraction is noticeable. Gas extraction causes the ground to sink. This can have consequences for the height and strength of dykes and quays. 
  • Dikes and quays where people and animals walk.

Private owners

The water board is not the sole owner of dikes and quays. Some parts are owned by private individuals, for example, if someone lives next to a dike or if there is a stream with a dam in a meadow.

Private owners ensure that there are no buildings, fences, loose items, or cars on the dikes. Trees and shrubs do not belong on dikes. Root growth can reduce stability. The water board also expects owners to mow and reseed bare patches. Any wooden or concrete revetment is also maintained by the owner. A revetment ensures that the water's edge does not collapse.

Annual cadet review in March

The water board checks whether private individuals are maintaining these dikes and quays properly. We do this every year in March with a quay inspection. If a dike or quay has not been properly maintained, we agree that this will be done. We then also arrange a second inspection.

  • The water board is not liable for damage to dikes caused by third parties.
  • If you notice cracks in the dike yourself, please contact the water board.

Major work on sea dikes

Due to climate change and rising sea levels, our sea dikes must meet new standards. Another major sea dike reinforcement project is planned for the coming years: the reinforcement of the Lauwersmeer-Vierhuizergat dike. In addition to reinforcing the dike, we are also working on an innovative project. We are doing this together with the province of Groningen, and it is called: the Double Dike. In recent years, the Eemshaven-Delfzijl dike has been reinforced. This dike now meets the standard again.

  • Reinforcement of the Lauwersmeer-Vierhuizergat dike

  • Double Dike

  • Dike improvement Eemshaven - Delfzijl

Reinforcement of the Lauwersmeer-Vierhuizergat dike

Due to climate change and rising sea levels, our sea dikes must meet new standards. That is why the Eemshaven-Delfzijl dike has been reinforced in recent years. This dike now meets the standard again. Another extensive reinforcement of a sea dike is on the agenda for the coming years: the reinforcement of the Lauwersmeer-Vierhuizergat dike.

The Lauwersmeer dike in Groningen is located between Lauwersoog and the Westpolder. This dike no longer meets safety requirements. That is why it needs to be reinforced. This will ensure that we remain well protected against flooding in the future.

Lauwersmeerdijk.noorderzijlvest.nl

Double Dike

We are also working on an innovative project. We are doing this together with the province of Groningen, and it is called: the Double Dike.

The Double Dike at Hoogwatum behind Bierum consists of a higher dike on the waterfront and a lower dike inland. Together, the two dikes protect us from high water. This second dike at the Bierum beach is good for our safety, but also for nature, agriculture, and recreation. Between the two dikes, there will be an area with ebb and flow. For this purpose, a culvert will be placed in the sea dike. The silty, salty water from the Eems-Dollard will flow in and out of the intermediate area. The silt that flows with the water can settle there. As a result, the low-lying southern part will slowly grow along with the rise in sea level. A new area will be created for plants and animals that thrive in brackish water. The northern part will offer space for innovative agriculture. An area will be created between the dikes where we will cultivate shrimp and seaweed. We will also grow plants that are more resistant to salt. For example, trials are being conducted with certain potato varieties, beans, and grains. Agricultural land is becoming increasingly salty due to the effects of climate change. We are investigating the possibilities when this land is no longer suitable for traditional agriculture.

More information

Dike improvement Eemshaven - Delfzijl

At the end of 2019, the Eemshaven-Delfzijl dike was officially declared 'dike-safe' and earthquake-proof for the next 25 years. The sea dike is the first in our country to be reinforced in accordance with the latest safety standards and with earthquake measures.

Between Eemshaven and Delfzijl lies an 11.7-kilometer-long sea dike. This sea dike no longer met all standards. The cause: climate change and gas extraction in Groningen. That is why we have improved and reinforced the sea dike. 

Dike improvement in 360 degrees

From 2017 to the end of 2019, we worked on the dike between Eemshaven and Delfzijl. We made the dike higher, wider, and stronger. At the same time, we carried out a few other special projects for people and nature. In this video, you can experience the dike improvement up close in 360 degrees.