Expansion of the balancing lake

Climate change is causing more frequent and heavier rainfall. De Onlanden ensures that we are better prepared for these extreme weather conditions. During heavy rainfall, large amounts of water flow into streams and ditches. De Onlanden is a low-lying nature reserve that collects this water temporarily, allowing it to gradually drain into the sea. This prevents flooding and water damage in Groningen and Drenthe.

Yes, De Onlanden collects extra water. During heavy rainfall, large amounts of water flow into streams and ditches. De Onlanden is a low-lying nature reserve that temporarily collects this water.
This prevents flooding in Groningen and Drenthe.

Climate change is causing us to experience increasingly frequent and prolonged periods of heavy rainfall. The Onlanden plays a crucial role in absorbing this excess water and helping to prevent flooding.

De Onlanden is more than just a balancing lake. It is also a valuable nature reserve where plants and animals flourish, and a place where people can enjoy peace and quiet. By giving water and nature more space, we are building a more robust and resilient water system that is better able to withstand the effects of climate change.

The three northern provinces and water authorities are working on regional water safety with the Droge Voeten (Dry Feet) 2050 programme. The risk of flooding in the northern provinces is increasing as the climate changes more rapidly. Research has been conducted to determine what is needed. This has resulted in measures to limit the consequences of extreme weather caused by climate change.

The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is taking the following measures to retain, store, and drain water:

• The capacity of pumping stations is increased
• Additional balancing lakes will be created
• Flood embankments and dykes are raised and reinforced.

Some of these measures have already been implemented. For example, several balancing lakes have already been constructed or modified in the Zuidelijk Westerkwartier, such as the Lettelberterberg catchwater, De Drie Polders, and De Dijken Bakkerom. Balancing lake De Onlanden and its expansion are also part of these measures. The measures will help to keep feet dry in the future, although flooding due to extreme rainfall cannot be completely ruled out everywhere.

When we have to implement Dry Feet measures, such as balancing lakes, many people will already be experiencing flooding. This is because there has been extremely high rainfall and the soil is completely saturated. Dry Feet measures do not solve local flooding. They ensure that water safety is not compromised.

De Onlanden is both a balancing lake and a nature reserve. This combination makes the area a climate buffer. By giving nature space and temporarily retaining extra water during extreme weather, De Onlanden helps to limit the effects of climate change. 

Climate change causes flooding as well as drought. In De Onlanden, we want to collect water temporarily when there is heavy rainfall. In the Kop van Drenthe, we are studying how we can retain water for longer to prevent drought. This is part of a different project.

Climate change is bringing us more rain and more dry periods. That is why the Drenthe provincial executive and the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority, together with other parties, are looking at ways to improve the water system.

The objectives are:

• Improve water retention in wet and dry periods
  Improve nature and biodiversity
  Contribute to future-proof agriculture
  Prepare the area for extreme weather.