Noorderzijlvest Water Authority and Meerschap Paterswolde formalize cooperation

Improved water quality in Paterswoldsemeer

The water board is working to improve water quality in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). These measures contribute to this. By properly recording agreements on management and maintenance, the banks and fish shelters can continue to function properly in the future. And if, thanks to the WFD measures, plants start to grow where they interfere with recreation, these will be mowed by the Meerschap. 

Proper management and maintenance are necessary.

"The water board has been working for several years to make Paterswoldsemeer cleaner and ecologically healthier," says Annette van Velde. "At the end of this year, we will start implementing the final measures. We will construct nature-friendly banks and install 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, we will provide sufficient shelter and spawning grounds for fish. Good management and maintenance are very important in this regard, otherwise these measures will not work properly." 

The Meerschap Paterswolde will be responsible for this management and maintenance. The Meerschap will also carry out any additional mowing that may be necessary if cleaner water causes more aquatic plants to grow. Karin Hunziker: "As managers of the Hoornseplas and Paterswoldsemeer lakes, we are out on the water almost every day. We know the area through and through. 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 board, we also know exactly what is required. The agreement also sets out the financial arrangements and agreements on coordination and evaluation." 

Long-term cooperation

From the outset, Meerschap has been actively involved in the planning and implementation of the water board's WFD 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 Meerschap's general board on June 26 this year.  

The final measures will be implemented at the end of 2023.

The latest WFD measures were devised in a process of co-creation with representatives from the local community. At the time, the aim was to strike the right balance: cleaner water without causing too much nuisance from aquatic plants, as the Paterswoldsemeer lake is a popular recreational area. “During and immediately after implementation, it will look a bit bare. When constructing the nature-friendly banks, we will also thin out the banks so that leaves do not fall into the water. These leaves will rot and release phosphates, which will deteriorate the water quality. Experience has shown that the banks will be beautifully green again within a few months," explains Annette van Velde. The work should be completed by the end of 2024. 

Water Framework Directive

Clean and healthy water cannot be taken for granted. At the end of the last century, water quality in Europe was inadequate in many places. Pollution in one country affected another country, because rivers often flow through several countries. That is why a joint approach was chosen, laid down in the Water Framework Directive. This is 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 more difficult it is to convert it into drinking water. Moreover, we want to be able to enjoy safe recreation in and on the water. The WFD sets the same requirements for European Union countries and Switzerland. In the Netherlands, the directive has been translated into the Water Act. 

Paterswoldsemeer Area Program

More information on the websitepaterswoldsemeer.noorderzijlvest.nl