Project decision on additional water storage adopted
August 14, 2025
The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority can start increasing water storage capacity in De Onlanden in September 2025. On August 14, the Provincial Executive of Drenthe adopted the project decision for the realization of additional water storage capacity in De Onlanden.
Capacity expansion
De Onlanden will soon be able to hold more water. Within the existing quays, the storage capacity will be expanded from 7.5 to 12.7 million cubic meters. This will provide space for an additional 5.2 million cubic meters of water. In the event of extreme rainfall, this water can be temporarily stored (for a number of days) before being discharged into the sea. The water level may rise to +18 cm NAP. The additional water storage capacity is expected to be partially operational in early 2026, with full completion following in 2027.
From design to project decision
The draft project decision for the additional water storage facility was available for inspection from December 19, 2024, to January 30, 2025. A total of eighty opinions were received. These opinions were carefully considered by the province when adopting the project decision. Based on the opinions and discussions with local residents, additional measures and customized solutions were included in the final draft.
The project decision came into effect on September 17. Appeals against the project decision can be lodged with the Administrative Law Division of the Council of State for a period of six weeks (from August 21 to October 1, 2025).