Water-level regulation plans

Agreements on water levels sometimes need to be renegotiated. Circumstances and insights can change. We recently took decisions on thirteen new water level regulation plans. The measures for eleven of these plans have already been implemented. We are currently working on the implementation measures for two of the plans: Fivelingo and Spijksterpompen.

Water Level Regulation Plans in preparation

Most Water Level Regulation Plans relate to subsidence due to natural-gas extraction. In these areas in north Groningen, subsidence is more than 10 centimetres. This affects the functioning of the water system.

An exception is the Dwarsdiep Water Level Regulation Plan in the Zuidelijk Westerkwartier. This Water Level Regulation Plan is necessary for the redesign of the stream valley to enable the creation of a balancing lake and the development of nature.

Adopted Water Level Regulation Plans

In recent years, the Board of Directors has adopted a number of new Water Level Regulation Plans  for various reasons. The Water Level Regulation Plans that have been adopted since 2019 are:

Fivelingo catchwater

A new Water Level Regulation Plan for the Fivelingo basin is being prepared.

If you have any problems reading the digital document, please contact us by email: uitvoeringpeilbesluiten@noorderzijlvest.nl

Spijksterpompen

At the end of 2020, we started preparations for the Spijksterpompen Water Level Regulation Plan.

  • In 2022, we spoke with farmers and landowners about the current functioning of the water system.
  • Using the results of the studies, our calculation models, and information from the surrounding area, we will prepare a draft Water Level Regulation Plan in the second quarter of this year. 
  • In the third and fourth quarters, we will organise regional meetings to discuss this draft Water Level Regulation Plan with all the stakeholders.
  • Interactive site Spijksterpompen Water Level Regulation Plan (digital document storymap arcgis.com)

Casper Hommes

On 14 December 2022, the Board of Directors of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority adopted the Casper Hommes Water Level Regulation Plan. The Casper Hommes polder is located in an area affected by subsidence due to natural-gas extraction, which has an impact on the water system. That is why there is a new Water Level Regulation Plan.

Announcement of Casper Hommes Water Level Regulation Plan

Dwarsdiep  

On 5 June 2024, the Board of Directors of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority adopted the Dwarsdiep Water Level Regulation Plan. This Water Level Regulation Plan is necessary for the redesign of the stream valley in accordance with the area plan for the Dwarsdiep area. Its implementation requires adjustments to the water system. The adopted Water Level Regulation Plan contains the new water levels to be set and the constructions that are required. 

Adopted Dwarsdiep Water Level Regulation Plan

The official announcement of the Water Level Regulation Plan can be found at www.overheid.nl:

Electra catchwater, 1st subcatchment

On 27 October 2021, the Board of Directors of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority adopted the 1st subcatchment Electra catchwater Water Level Regulation Plan.

The Electra catchwater 1st subcatchment water level regulation plan area is located in an area affected by subsidence due to natural-gas extraction. This has an impact on the water system, and a new Water Level Regulation Plan had to be prepared.

Fanerpolder, Zuidhorner Zuidpolder, Vredewold, Lagemeeden, Nienoord, and Lettelbert/Driepolders

A new Water Level Regulation Plan was adopted for these polders in June 2019. The Water Level Regulation Plan is implemented within the framework of the Zuidelijk Westerkwartier development.

  • These polders are quite low-lying and have a high water level. When there is heavy rainfall, water from ditches can sometimes overflow onto the land. Standards have been agreed in the National Administrative Agreement on Water Management on how often this is permitted. This means that grassland may be flooded with water from the surrounding ditches once every 10 years. This is permitted on 5% of the lowest part of the polder.
  • Peat occurs here and there in the subsoil of the six polders. This means that we cannot simply lower the water levels. Lowering water levels in peat soils can lead to subsidence.

Fledderbosch - Ons Belang

On 15 December 2021, the Board of Directors of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority adopted the Fledderbosch - Ons Belang Water Level Regulation Plan.
The Fledderbosch - Ons Belang polder is located in an area affected by subsidence due to natural-gas extraction, which has an impact on the water system. So, a new Water Level Regulation Plan has been prepared.

Garmerwolde - Rottegat

On 12 July 2023, the Board of Directors of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority adopted the Garmerwolde-Rottegat Water Level Regulation Plan. The Garmerwolde-Rottegat polder is located in an area affected by subsidence due to natural-gas extraction, which has an impact on the water system. So, a new Water Level Regulation Plan has been prepared.

Adopted Garmerwolde-Rottegat Water Level Regulation Plan

Noorderzijlvest on www.overheid.nl: Waterschapsblad 2023, 10502 | Overheid.nl > Official announcements (officilebekendmakingen.nl)

Oudezijl

On 12 July 2023, the Bestuur of Directors the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority adopted the Oudezijl Water Level Regulation Plan.
The Oudezijl Polder is located in an area affected by subsidence due to natural-gas extraction, which has an impact on the water system. So, a new Water Level Regulation Plan has been prepared.

Adopted Oudezijl Water Level Regulation Plan

Waterschapsblad 2023, 10502 | Overheid.nl > Official announcements (officielebekendmakingen.nl)

Lake Paterswoldsemeer

On 6 July 2022, the Board of Directors of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority adopted the lake Paterswoldsemeer Water Level Regulation Plan.

More information Water level regulation plan for lake Paterswoldsemeer adopted

Hemert Polder

A new Water Level Regulation Plan was adopted for this polder in November 2020. This was necessary because the polder is located in an area where the ground is subsiding due to natural-gas extraction. This affects the functioning of the water system.

Dijken-Bakkerom Polder

A new Water Level Regulation Plan was adopted for this polder in October 2019. We did this for the following reasons:

Delthe Polder

A new Water Level Regulation Plan was adopted for this polder in October 2019. This was necessary because the polder is located in an area where the ground is subsiding due to natural-gas extraction. This affects the functioning of the water system.

Target levels

If you would like to know what the target levels are in our management area, please refer to our water-authority map.

  • On the map on the left side of the page, click on ">" to open the map layer list.
  • Here you can check the box for "Water level regulation plan areas."
  • You can now zoom in on the map to see all the information you need. 

GeoWeb 5.6 (noorderzijlvest.nl)

If you would like information about adopted water level regulation plans, please contact us at peilbesluiten@noorderzijlvest.nl.