Dredging

We dredge the ditches to ensure the flow and drainage of a certain amount of water. This is necessary to limit flooding.

But dredging is also important for water quality. The waterbed always needs oxygen, because the decomposition of plant remains continues there. If there is only a small amount of water above the bed, the oxygen quickly disappears from that layer of water and plants and animals can no longer live there. By dredging, we maintain the depth of the ditch and prevent rotting processes and oxygen deficiency. 

  • What is dredging?

    Dredging is the removal of a layer of mud, sand, or silt (dredged material) from the bottom of a watercourse (ditch) or body of water (e.g., a lake).

  • Dredging by HHNK

    HHNK is responsible for dredging part of the waters in the management area. This involves approximately 6,300 kilometre waterways.

  • Dredging and pollution

    Before dredging, we first check the quality of the dredged material. Contaminated dredged material is taken to a special landfill site.

  • Dredging projects in preparation and implementation

    We dredge rural areas once every seven years and urban areas once every 14 years. We dredge large (reservoir) waters once every 30 years.