The groundwater level

Groundwater level is the level at which water stands in the ground. The level is not the same everywhere and can also change. For example, if it rains a lot, is dry, or if there is groundwater abstraction in your neighborhood. This is why there are rules for groundwater extraction.

Groundwater level in your neighborhood

If you want to know what the groundwater level is in your neighborhood, you can measure it yourself. If your municipality has a groundwater monitoring network, you can look it up in it. Be aware that the groundwater level at a certain location may be different from the nearest groundwater monitoring station.

Climate Change

In recent years we have had periods of unprecedented drought. There have been heavy rainstorms and very wet winters in several areas of North Holland. These events affect groundwater levels. They are a consequence of climate change and these events are expected to occur more frequently. The municipalities, the province and the Water Board are committed to spatial adaptation to mitigate the effects of climate change. This commitment makes North Holland more resilient to the consequences of climate change. Preventing the consequences of climate change is becoming increasingly difficult. Therefore, as the owner of a house with a garden, it is important to do something yourself. See what you can do in and around your garden to do your bit on the page What can you do yourself against flooding?

Ditch water level and groundwater

The Water Board regulates the water level in ditches and canals. In our area the groundwater level has little influence on the water level in the ditch, because the soil in the western part of the Netherlands has poor water permeability. Also, many ditches and canals have wooden shoring or stone quay walls through which the water can hardly pass. When it rains a lot, the groundwater level can therefore be very high, while the level in the adjacent ditch is good. Then even a small rainfall creates new puddles on the land. Lowering the water level in the ditch then has no effect.

Groundwater abstraction and infiltration permit

For groundwater withdrawals, abstractions and infiltrations, a permit must be obtained from the Water Board or a notification must be filed. The Water Board regulations specify when a notification is sufficient. For abstractions and infiltrations not covered by these, you must apply for a permit.

Groundwater management policies

Our policies for groundwater management are in the Groundwater Policy Framework. We want groundwater to be handled in a sustainable way. In doing so, we take the environment into account and make sure we know what to look out for.