Noorderzijlvest Water Authority and Meerschap Paterswolde formalise cooperation

Improved water quality in Lake Paterswold

The water authority to improve water quality in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). These measures contribute to that goal. By clearly documenting agreements on management and maintenance, the banks and fish habitats will continue to function effectively in the future. And if, as a result of the WFD measures, plants begin to grow in areas where they interfere with recreational activities, the Meerschap will mow them down. 

Proper management and maintenance are necessary

“The water authority for several years to make Lake Paterswoldsemeer cleaner and ecologically healthier,” says Annette van Velde. “At the end of this year, we will begin implementing the final measures. We are creating nature-friendly shorelines and installing so-called fish forests and fish hotels. All these measures will make the water cleaner and, hopefully, reduce the nuisance caused by blue-green algae. In addition, this will provide sufficient hiding and spawning places for fish. Proper management and maintenance are crucial in this regard; otherwise, these measures will not work effectively.” 

The Paterswolde Water Authority will be responsible for this management and maintenance. The Water Authority will also carry out any additional mowing that may be necessary should cleaner water lead to increased growth of aquatic plants. Karin Hunziker: “As managers of the Hoornseplas and the Paterswoldsemeer, we are out on the water almost every day. We know the area inside and out. It makes perfect sense for us to include this additional mowing, management, and maintenance in our work. By making clear agreements about this with the water authority, we also know exactly what is required. The agreement also sets out the financial terms and provisions regarding coordination and evaluation.” 

Long-term partnership

From the outset, the Meerschap has been actively involved in the planning and implementation of the water authority measures. It has also collaborated on the 2023–2025 aquatic plant management plan, of which the mowing policy is a part. This aquatic plant management plan was adopted by the Board of Directors on June 26 of this year.  

The final measures will take effect at the end of 2023

The latest WFD measures were developed through a process of co-creation with local representatives. At the time, the goal was to strike a good balance: cleaner water without causing significant disruption from aquatic plants, given the high level of recreational activity on Lake Paterswoldsemeer. “During and immediately after implementation, the area will look a bit bare for a while. When constructing the nature-friendly banks, we’ll also thin out the vegetation along the banks so that leaves don’t fall into the water. These leaves will rot and release phosphates, which will degrade water quality. Experience shows, however, that the banks will be beautifully green again within a few months,” explains Annette van Velde. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024. 

Water Framework Directive

Clean and healthy water is not something we can take for granted. At the end of the last century, water quality in Europe was inadequate in many places. Pollution in one country affected another, because rivers often flow through multiple countries. That is why a joint approach was chosen, enshrined in the Water Framework Directive, to protect our ecosystems. But also our water resources. Because groundwater and surface water are used to produce drinking water. The more polluted the water, the harder it is to turn it into drinking water. Plus, we want to be able to safely enjoy recreational activities in and on the water. The WFD sets the same requirements for European Union countries and Switzerland. In the Netherlands, the directive has been implemented through the Water Act. 

Paterswoldsemeer Area Program

For more information, visitpaterswoldsemeer.noorderzijlvest.nl