Drought 2026: Questions and Answers

As the precipitation deficit increases, our field staff closely monitor the condition of the dikes. We start with the dikes most susceptible to drought, which are partly composed of peat. These dikes are more susceptible to drying out than those made entirely of clay. 

If the precipitation deficit exceeds 225 mm, we will consider conducting on-site inspections of the dikes. In that case, approximately 65, kilometre s of drought-sensitive dikes will be inspected first. This was done in July by HHNK. These dikes are located primarily in the Waterland region. They are very old dikes, often with a peat core and a clay cap. 

Due to the ongoing drought, other dikes have also been identified for inspection. Starting Wednesday, August 12, HHNK will inspect 400 km of drought-sensitive dikes. This will ensure that drought-related damage to our dikes (such as cracks, wet spots, deformation, and dried-out grass) is identified in a timely manner. If necessary, measures will be taken or the dikes will be monitored more closely. This is a precautionary measure based on the precipitation deficit and the forecast. At this time, the dikes are stable. In this way, we ensure safe dikes and keep residents’ feet dry. 

Our area managers and maintenance staff conduct inspections in pairs. We also use drones to detect and monitor cracks. This is only possible if cracks are visible from above, when there is no tall grass or mowed grass on the dike. We use monitoring wells to measure the groundwater level in the dike, so we know how dry it is inside the dike itself.

We do not have any dikes made entirely of peat. Some dikes do, however, contain a historical peat core. These are covered with clay and are further filled with clay during reinforcement.

No new peat dikes are being built these days. When we reinforce a dike, we use clay and other suitable soil types. As a result, the proportion of peat in our flood defenses is gradually decreasing.

We do not actively keep our dikes wet. This is not necessary due to the structure of our dikes. We do not have dikes made entirely of peat. Some dikes contain a historical peat core, which is encased in a thick layer of clay. In addition, severely dried-out soil does not always absorb water immediately. This is similar to dried-out soil in a flowerpot, where water can initially run off the dry soil.

Yes, mowing can be beneficial for a dike even during a drought. By mowing sparingly and carefully, the grass remains healthy, strong, and even. Slightly longer grass also provides shade for the soil, which slows down moisture evaporation. Stopping mowing entirely isn’t always wise. If the grass is still growing and green, a light mowing helps keep the turf strong. This allows the grass to recover more effectively as soon as more moisture becomes available.

Normally, excess water in the low-lying areas of North Holland is drained through ditches to the pumping stations, so that our feet stay dry. Because of the drought, we’re now letting water in, because otherwise our feet would be too dry. Water in the ditches is necessary for many reasons. A lower water level in the ditches means farmers have less water available to irrigate their crops—especially since it’s currently the growing season. A lower water level also causes the adjacent land to dry out more easily. Furthermore, the ditches then contain less oxygen and warm up more quickly, which has major consequences for plants and animals. The banks of ditches that run dry can easily erode. Finally, filled ditches provide counterpressure against saltwater seepage. Without that pressure, saltwater seepage would rise from deeper layers of the earth and cause the land to become saline. 

We let water from the IJsselmeer and Markermeer flow in. HHNK ensures that water levels are maintained. This surface water is then abstracted by various users and consumers. We set the water demand for flushing to prevent salinization ourselves, depending on the extent of salt intrusion. We operate on a level-controlled basis and will continue to do so, making adjustments based on water quality and salinization.

* Cooling water is not lost; it flows back into the water system. It is therefore used, but not consumed.

The drought continues, and the precipitation deficit is increasing in North Holland. As a result, water will become scarce in the short term. HHNK is appealing to all residents and farmers who irrigate their gardens and fields. Deputy Water Board Chair Klazien Hartog: “Irrigating during the day causes a lot of evaporation. To make the available water last longer and be used more sustainably, I urgently call on farmers to irrigate their fields at the end of the day or in the evening; this will prevent additional evaporation. Only by all of us—including residents—using as little surface water as possible can we delay the moment when we run into trouble.”  

See the page " What Can You Do Yourself to Combat Drought?"  

The grazing ban applies to all dikes along the Wadden Sea in Hollands Noorderkwartier. These include the Wadden Sea Dike on Texel and, on the mainland between Den Helder and Den Oever, the Balgzand Dike, the Amsteldiep Dike, and the dike on Wieringen. A total of sixteen leaseholders are affected by this ban and are not permitted to graze livestock there.

A grazing ban means that tenants are no longer allowed to let their livestock graze on our dikes. 

Saturday, August 8, at 6:00 p.m.

Due to intensive grazing by livestock combined with the drought, the grass is unable to grow fast enough before the storm season begins. Grass cover needs time to recover. A healthy grass cover is necessary to keep the flood barrier (dike) sturdy. During a storm, when water overflows the dike, the grass cover protects the dike from erosion. By enforcing the grazing ban, we ensure that the dike remains robust and, as a result, the hinterland remains protected this coming winter.

Under normal conditions (when there is no drought), grazing is a common method of maintaining the grass cover on levees.

Once the turf has recovered sufficiently, the ban will be lifted. Healthy turf is necessary to keep the flood barrier (dike) sturdy and thus able to withstand storms. 

Yes, livestock are still allowed to graze on most dikes in Hollands Noorderkwartier. The grazing ban applies to all dikes along the Wadden Sea. These include the Wadden Sea Dike on Texel and, on the mainland between Den Helder and Den Oever, the Balgzand Dike, the Amsteldiep Dike, and the dike on Wieringen. In total, there are sixteen leaseholders who are not allowed to let their livestock graze there.

In the event of an impending water shortage, water is rationed in the Netherlands. The available water is then allocated first to critical needs, such as maintaining our dikes, the drinking water supply, and power plants. Other uses, such as crop irrigation, shipping, and recreation, are given lower priority. 

We refer to this (national) prioritization as the “priority sequence.” It specifies which matters take precedence over others in water allocation. Categories 3 and 4 were subsequently elaborated at the regional level by the provinces and water boards in the Water Allocation Strategy. For more information, visit our page: Drought and Water Allocation

To prepare for and evaluate each drought season, the Advisory Committee meets twice a year (in April and October) as a matter of routine. It also meets on an ad hoc basis when warranted by current and expected developments—such as now, due to the ongoing drought. Based on current developments, the Advisory Committee can provide the water board with recommendations to minimize the socioeconomic impact of any measures as much as possible. HHNK can take this advice into account when deciding on measures.

The Agricultural Advisory Committee includes a broad representation of the agricultural sector. It comprises representatives from the following organizations: 

• Dutch Agricultural and Horticultural Organization (LTO)
• Royal General Association for Flower Bulb Cultivation (KAVB)
• Dutch Arable Farming Union (NAV)
• Greenhouse Horticulture in the Netherlands
• Dutch Agricultural Youth Association (HAJK)
• Water, Land & Dikes (WL&D) 
• Dutch Dairy Farmers' Union (NMV) 
• Dutch Fruit Growers Organization (NFO)

The Advisory Committee typically meets twice a year: at the start (April) and at the end of each drought season (October). The Advisory Committee also met in April this year. If circumstances warrant, the Advisory Committee meets more frequently. This has not happened before, but it is now the case. On August 13, the Agricultural Advisory Committee will meet due to the record-high precipitation deficit in Hollands Noorderkwartier and to prepare for the implementation of the water displacement sequence. 

It is not permitted to withdraw surface water to flood crop fields (inundation). Inundation is the intentional and controlled flooding of fields. Inundation is typically used in agriculture to control, for example, harmful nematodes, fungi, and persistent weeds in the soil.

This means that surface water may no longer be withdrawn for the purpose of irrigating or flooding land. This includes agricultural land, as well as sports fields, parks, and public green spaces.

In the event of a water shortage, the Water Allocation Sequence takes effect, which is implemented regionally by HHHNK through the HHNK 2024 Water Allocation Strategy. In the event of an actual water shortage and/or bottlenecks within the HHNK management area, or if the lower limit of the lake level in the IJsselmeer region is reached, a decision will be made to implement measures such as withdrawal bans. The order of measures is set out in the list of measures in the Water Allocation Strategy. The highest priority is given to safety and the prevention of irreversible damage to nature. The second priority is given to critical public utilities (drinking water and energy).

Salinization is the increase in salinity in the soil, groundwater, and surface water. Salinization occurs due to the intrusion of seawater (external); seawater that enters the water system via surface water through, for example, river estuaries, locks, and/or fish passages. In addition, there is internal salinization; salty or brackish groundwater that rises as seepage water and, as a result, enters the soil and the groundwater and surface water. 

Salinization occurs in our region along the coast and in areas that used to have brackish or saltwater before they were drained or reclaimed. As a result, the soil contains brackish or saltwater.

Because we in Hollands Noorderkwartier live largely on what was once the seabed, the soil is relatively salty. Having enough fresh water in our ditches prevents this salt from seeping upward. During periods of drought, the soil and ditches can become salinated. As soon as there is less fresh water in the ditches, the salty seepage can rise and cause the water in the ditches to become saltier. This is harmful to agriculture and nature. 

Lock restrictions are measures that limit lock operations (the movement of vessels between different water levels). By imposing lock restrictions on recreational boating, we ensure that significantly less saltwater flows into the area. Less water is also needed for flushing to combat salinization. This applies, among other places, to the Koopvaardersschutsluis and Boerenverdrietsluis locks in Den Helder, where saltwater and freshwater mix.