Paterswoldsemeer Area Program Project

Between 2018 and 2024, we implemented various measures to improve the water quality of Lake Paterswoldsemeer. We also improved the drainage route from Lake Paterswoldsemeer to the De Verbetering pumping station in Hoendiep and made it climate-proof. The Paterswoldsemeer is an important recreational area for the city of Groningen and its surroundings. The water board is working on the water quality of the lake in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

The measures are marked on the following maps:

  • Improvement of water quality in Paterswoldsemeer Water Framework Directive measures phases 1-2-3
  • Overview of climate action activities

Monitoring

Several monitoring programs have been launched, some of which will run until 2027. The monitoring reports can be found on this page. 

We monitor in various ways:

  • WFD monitoring
  • Project-related monitoring (2025 to 2027)
  • Monitoring aquatic plants (2021 to 2027)
  • Transparency measurements (2022 to 2023)

WFD monitoring

We have been monitoring water quality for years with the fixed WFD monitoring program. The results for the Paterswoldsemeer are included in the WFD fact sheet accompanying the SGBP 2022-2027 River Basin Management Plan (pp. 152-162): Fact sheet: Damsterdiep-Nieuwediep.pdf

Project-related monitoring

We also monitor the effects of the WFD measures taken. In order to gain a clear picture of the initial situation, we started monitoring before implementing any measures. 

Nature-friendly banks

In 2023, a baseline measurement was carried out for the nature-friendly banks. The banks were constructed in 2024. Monitoring will run from 2025 to 2027.

Iron sand passage 

The iron sand passage is one of the measures to improve water quality. A separate monitoring plan has been drawn up. Monitoring will continue until 2026.

Monitoring aquatic plants

We closely monitor the growth of aquatic plants and water quality using a comprehensive monitoring plan. If it appears that significant growth of aquatic plants is to be expected, mowing will be carried out.

The monitoring consists of an inspection round in the spring, extensive aquatic plant mapping in the summer, and the inventory of reports. In 2021, an inspection round and aquatic plant mapping took place for the first time. Aquatic plant monitoring will continue until 2027.

Transparency measurements

Transparency is an important parameter for the development of aquatic plants. In 2022 and 2023, a group of seventeen volunteers measured transparency at 23 locations in the lake. Based on the results, a second official measuring location was designated, in addition to the WFD measuring point.

Collaboration Meerschap

The management and maintenance of the nature-friendly banks, fish forests, and fish hotels is carried out by the Meerschap. The Meerschap mows aquatic plants where they cause nuisance. Agreements on this are laid down in a Cooperation Agreement and an Ownership, Management, and Maintenance Plan.

Report nuisance aquatic plants

Are you experiencing nuisance from aquatic plants and would you like to report this? Please submit your report to Meerschap-paterswolde.nl:

Reporting aquatic plant nuisance

Blue-green algae

Almost every year, blue-green algae cause nuisance on Lake Paterswoldsemeer. Reducing blue-green algae was not in itself part of the WFD objectives. However, the WFD measures that have been implemented do contribute to reducing blue-green algae. Unfortunately, blue-green algae will not disappear completely.

Flyer about blue-green algae

The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and there's nothing better than cooling off in the water. But sometimes blue-green algae can really spoil the fun. It can make you sick and cause unpleasant odors. What is blue-green algae and what can we do about it? You can read all about it in this flyer.

Video 

What exactly is the situation with blue-green algae in Lake Paterswoldsemeer? Find out in less than 4 minutes!

Contact

Questions about management and maintenance:

If you have any questions about the management, maintenance, or mowing of aquatic plants, please contact the Meerschap:info@meerschap-paterswolde.nl / 050 5255381.

Questions Water Framework Directive or completed projects

If you have any questions about the WFD, the measures implemented, or agreements made in this regard, please contact us: info@noorderzijlvest.nl/ 050 3048911