Although 100 to 150 millimeters of rain has fallen in many places since the end of June, irrigation bans are still in place in some regions. Because the groundwater levels are still low, this will remain the case for the time being.
This is reported by the Union of Water Boards. The differences between regions are undiminished. If we the KNMI precipitation deficit map as a guideline (the difference between rainfall and evaporation in millimeters). Zeeland remains the biggest concern in arable farming. The precipitation deficit there varies from 210 to 270 millimeters.
While the extreme drought that prevailed in parts of the Northern Netherlands has disappeared. The Frisian west coast and the Kop van Noord-Holland are excluded. It is still very dry there with a precipitation deficit of 240 to 270 millimeters. In some parts of Drenthe, the precipitation deficit is now no more than 90 to 120 millimeters. Not far from Zeeland, parts of West Brabant can also be called anything but dry.
Precipitation shortage less extreme week after week
But the measures taken in water management will remain in force where necessary. This includes setting up water levels, retaining water, introducing regional irrigation bans and inspecting drought-sensitive quays. River water levels are expected to decline.
But that is no reason to take additional measures. All the more so since the KNMI's latest precipitation forecast shows 14 days of rainy weather. That could mean that the national average precipitation deficit falls below the 5% driest year line. And that while this spring all records from previous record dry years, such as 1976 and 1947, were broken for weeks. Nota bene preceded by a record wet winter half year in large parts of the Netherlands.
What citizens can do
In view of these extremes, the Union of Water Boards continues to draw attention to the problems that threaten due to water shortages. It also focuses on what citizens can do. Research shows that almost half of the Dutch are concerned about water shortage problems. People who are concerned about the drought mainly think of the consequences for nature, failed harvests and the drying out of dikes.
Almost half of the respondents expect to experience more nuisance due to water shortages. 44% are prepared to take measures themselves to prevent damage. Three quarters prefer to install a rain barrel. The construction of more greenery is mentioned by more than 60%. Municipalities and water boards want to combat the urbanization of urban areas by subsidizing the greening of streets and gardens.
Major investments at a national level
Dirk Siert Schoonman, board member of the Union of Water Boards, says that major investments are needed not only at the municipal but also at the national level. "The weather in the Netherlands has become increasingly extreme. We are seeing heavier downpours, but also increasingly longer periods of drought. To limit the consequences of this, the Netherlands must become more climate-proof. This must be done at a national level. Major investments are needed to improve the country. can be arranged differently, but small interventions can also help on a small scale.
© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.
