The groundwater level

The groundwater level is the level at which the water stands in the ground. The level is not the same everywhere and can also change. For example, when there is a lot of rain, when it is dry, or when neighbourhood takes place in your neighbourhood . That is why there are rules for extracting groundwater.

Groundwater level in your neighbourhood

If you want to know what the groundwater level neighbourhood in your neighbourhood , you can measure it yourself. If your municipality has a groundwater monitoring network, you can look it up there. Please note that the groundwater level at a specific location may differ from that at the nearest measuring point of the groundwater monitoring network.

Climate change

In recent years, we have experienced periods of unprecedented drought. Several areas in North Holland have seen heavy rainfall and very wet winters. These events have an impact on groundwater levels. They are a consequence of climate change and are expected to occur more frequently. The municipalities, the province, and the water board are committed to spatial adaptation to limit the effects of climate change. This commitment makes North Holland more resilient to the effects of climate change. Preventing the effects of climate change is becoming increasingly difficult. That is why, as the owner of a house with a garden, it is important to take action yourself. See what you can do in and around your garden to contribute on the page What can you do yourself to prevent 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 Netherlands is poorly permeable. Many ditches and canals also have wooden revetments or stone quay walls that are almost impervious to water. When there is heavy rainfall, the groundwater level can be very high, while the level in the adjacent ditch remains normal. Even a small amount of rain can then cause new puddles to form on the land. Lowering the water level in the ditch has no effect in such cases.

licence and infiltration

For groundwater extraction, drainage, and infiltration, a licence must licence applied for or a notification must be submitted to the water board. The Water Board Regulations specify when a notification is sufficient. For extraction and infiltration that does not fall under this category, you must licence a licence .

Groundwater management policy

Our groundwater management policy is set out in the groundwater policy framework. We want groundwater to be managed in a sustainable manner. We take the environment into account and ensure that we know what to look out for.