Waterschap Hollandse Delta announces dredging and flood prevention updates

Waterschap Hollandse Delta has announced several updates to its water management operations. Starting July 1, 2027, the water board will increase the frequency of dredging activities across much of its working area. In peat meadow areas, dredging will occur every six years, while in other areas, the cycle will be every eight years. In Dordrecht, the interval between dredging sessions will be reduced from twelve to eight years.

In urban areas, the board will now dredge until reaching the solid bottom to maintain water quality and capacity. Additionally, the board is adjusting compensation for landowners receiving dredged material to account for rising costs, effective July 1, 2026. To assist farmers with land planning, the timeframe for executing dredging work will be extended from five to seven working days.

Regarding flood prevention, the board has approved plans to address water issues in Flakkee-west, investigating upgrades to culverts, more powerful pumping stations, and temporary water storage solutions. Furthermore, four options are being explored for the Zuiderdiep on Goeree-Overflakkee, with assessments focusing on the impact on agriculture, nature, and fisheries.