The water level of both the IJsselmeer and the Markermeer will be raised by five centimetres. For example, Rijkswaterstaat is better prepared for a possible water shortage, the organization writes in a press release.
According to Rijkswaterstaat, the measure will ensure that sufficient drinking water remains available in the event of drought next summer. It also combats salinization, i.e. a higher salt content in the soil.
Due to less snowfall in the Alpine region, the supply of freshwater via the major rivers is lower than normal. In addition, the water level in the lakes drops in the spring due to more evaporation and higher water use in surrounding areas.
100 million cubic meters of water
Instead of the usual water level of -0.15 meters below Normal Amsterdam Level (NAP) in the lakes, the level is now being brought down to -0.10 meters. This means that 100 million cubic meters of extra freshwater will enter the lakes.
Last year, Rijkswaterstaat also raised the water level in the IJsselmeer and the Markermeer in May, writes Omroep Flevoland. That was necessary then, because it had hardly rained for months. According to the regional broadcaster, the extra water supply meant that water extraction companies and water boards were better able to absorb the consequences of drought.
- Further measures due to extreme drought, concerns about the coming period
- Water level in IJsselmeer increased due to drought
