Update: water levels almost back to normal, start emptying De Dijken-Bakkerom water storage facility

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

Start emptying water storage facility De Dijken-Bakkerom

This morning, we started emptying the De Dijken-Bakkerom water storage facility. We opened one of the four sluice gates, allowing us to discharge water in a controlled manner into the Electraboezem. From the reservoir, the water flows to Lauwersmeer and the Wadden Sea. 

We expect that the sluice gate can be closed on Sunday, March 6. After that, the weir and the pumping station will take over the 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 February 28, water from the Lettelberterberg reservoir has been drained in a controlled manner via the Vredewold polder. It is expected to take three weeks for the Lettelberterbergboezem to return to its normal water level. From March 1, 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 board also activated the overflow area north of Leekstermeer and Lettelberterbergboezem. These areas were flooded with water in order to lower the water level at Leekstermeer.

Pumping station at Tolberterpetten is functioning again

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

Inspecting dikes and quays

All the precipitation last week has saturated the ground. This also applies to dikes and quays along waterways. That is why the water board regularly inspects the dikes and quays to check for damage caused by erosion and possible subsidence.