Update: water levels almost back to normal, start emptying De Dijken-Bakkerom balancing lake 

After last week's heavy rainfall, the situation in the Noorderzijlvest region has calmed down again and water levels are almost back to normal.

Start emptying balancing lake Dykes

This morning, we started emptying the balancing lake Dykes balancing lake . We opened one of the four sluice gates, allowing us to discharge water in a controlled manner into the Electraboezem. From the catchwater , the water catchwater to the Lauwersmeer and the Wadden Sea. 

We expect that the sluice gate can be closed on Sunday, March 6. After that, the weir the pumping station will take over pumping station drainage from the storage area. It is expected to take 2 to 4 weeks for the water level in the storage area to return to normal.

While emptying the storage facility, we closely monitor the water levels in and around the facility and the weather forecast so that we can take corrective action if necessary.

Overflow areas

Since 28 February, water from the Lettelberterberg catchwater has been drained in a controlled manner via the Vredewold polder. It is expected to take three weeks for the Lettelberterberg catchwater to return to its normal water level. From 1 March, the water in the emergency overflow area on the north side of the Leekstermeer will also be drained in a controlled manner via the Vredewold polder. Here too, it may take some time for the water level to return to normal.

Last week, the water authority activated the overflow area north of Leekstermeer and Lettelberterberg catchwater. These areas were flooded with water in order to lower the water level at lake Leekstermeer.

Pumping station at Tolberterpetten is functioning again

Last week, emergency drainage was implemented due to the failure of the pumping station Tolberterpetten. The pumping station again and the water level at Tolberterpetten has returned to normal.

Inspecting dykes quays

All the rainfall last week has saturated the ground. This also applies to dykes quays alongwatercourses. That is why the water authority regularly inspects water authority dykes quays to check for damage caused by erosion and possible subsidence.