Exploratory study
How can we achieve the transition from freshwater to saltwater in lake Lauwersmeer? Water safety is a prerequisite. We will be conducting an exploratory study until 2028.
Research with regional partners
How can we ensure a better transition between freshwater and saltwater at lake Lauwersmeer and the Wadden Sea? How can we improve the ecological water quality and ensure a future for agriculture. And how can we also guarantee water safety with this solution? That is what this exploratory study is all about. Until 2028, we will be working with local partners to study the best way to achieve the freshwater-saltwater transition.
Water safety forms basis for exploratory study
Water safety is a prerequisite for this approach. Excess water from Friesland, Groningen, and North Drenthe is currently discharged into the sea via the R.J. Clevering locks. In the future, increased rainfall will require us to discharge more water more frequently via lake Lauwersmeer. As part of our exploratory study, we are investigating how we can continue to guarantee this.
Collaboration
Collaboration with governments, administrators, nature organisations, farmers, and other stakeholders is important for the project. This allows us balance the interests of nature, water quality, water safety, and agriculture with due care.
Saltwater monitoring network is the first step
The saltwater monitoring network allows us to build up knowledge of the water system. This helps us choose the best solution (a preferred alternative) for a more natural transition between freshwater and saltwater at lake Lauwersmeer and the Wadden Sea.
Programmatic Approach to Large Water Bodies
The project is part of the Programmatic Approach to Large Water Bodies (PAGW). The Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) has awarded a contribution of €10 million on behalf of PAGW for the exploratory study of a more natural freshwater-saltwater transition between lake Lauwersmeer and the Wadden Sea. The first part of this contribution will be used to set up the saltwater monitoring network and to start the exploration.
The PAGW is a national programme run by the Ministries of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature (LVVN) and Infrastructure and Water Management, with the aim of improving ecological water quality and strengthening nature in the Netherlands' large water bodies. The partners with whom the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority collaborates within the Programmatic Approach to Large Water Bodies (PAGW) Future-Proof Lauwersmeer are: Rijkswaterstaat Noord-Nederland, Staatsbosbeheer (Dutch Forestry Commission) Netherlands Enterprise Agency.