Drought: HHNK Calls for Water Conservation and Prepares Further Measures
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: “Watering during the day causes a lot of evaporation. To make the available water last longer and more sustainably, I urgently call on farmers to water 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 water as possible can we delay the moment when we run into serious shortages.”
In addition, HHNK is preparing a grazing ban. This applies to livestock on the dikes along the Wadden Sea and Texel. The dikes are dry, and the grass is struggling. Hartog: “We’re looking ahead, and if we don’t take action now, the grass won’t have enough time to recover before storm season. The grass needs to be in good condition by then. That’s why we have to take this measure now.” No significant precipitation is expected in the near future. Therefore, HHNK is simultaneously preparing for a situation in which additional measures may be necessary.
Precipitation deficit continues to grow
Nationwide, the precipitation deficit currently stands at 237 millimeters. In our management area, it is even higher. In Waterland—the area we use as a benchmark for our management area—the precipitation deficit has risen further to around 250 millimeters. Waterland is home to many drought-sensitive dikes. That is why we use this area as our benchmark.
Freshwater Availability in the HHNK Area
Situation on the mainland of North Holland
Despite the drought, there are currently no issues with water availability within our management area. This is because there is still sufficient freshwater available from the IJsselmeer and Markermeer.
Situation on Texel
We have a greater precipitation deficit on Texel than on the mainland. There, the precipitation deficit is, on average, 75 mm higher. The water in the ditches in the lower-lying areas is too salty for irrigation. Rain is the main source of fresh water on Texel. It is not possible to bring in water.
Salinization is being closely monitored
Due to the ongoing drought, the risk of salinization is increasing. At this time, there are no immediate problems, but the expected drought in the coming weeks makes continuous monitoring necessary. Salinization is steadily increasing.
Extra attention to the dikes
We use inspections to monitor the condition of our dikes. During the first inspection of the 65 km of drought-sensitive dikes, 77 instances of drought damage were identified. There is currently no immediate danger. There are six locations that require additional monitoring and remedial measures. We aim to address these locations by mid-October.
To prevent problems with the dikes caused by dried-up dike ditches, two pumps have been installed at the dike ditches of the Monnickmeer and the Beemster. In addition, culverts have been opened to maintain the water level in the dike ditches. Dike ditches provide a certain amount of pressure and moisture to keep the dikes stable.
Swimming Water: Watch Out for Blue-Green Algae
Warm, dry weather increases the risk of blue-green algae blooms. These have already been detected at a number of locations. Contact with blue-green algae can cause health problems. People may experience skin irritation, itching, red eyes, headaches, nausea, or diarrhoea. Pets, especially dogs, are also susceptible to blue-green algae.
Looking Ahead to the Next Two Weeks
The drought will continue to worsen in the coming weeks. The current forecast is that the precipitation deficit could reach 271 millimeters nationwide and 284 millimeters in Waterland in about two weeks. Water levels in the IJsselmeer and Markermeer are continuing to drop. We are preparing measures that can be implemented quickly if the situation worsens or if it develops as currently expected.
We are preparing for a dike inspection that will cover 500 kilometre high-risk dikes spread across the management area. The last inspection covered 65 km of peat dikes that are particularly prone to drought.
Another scenario we are preparing for is that Rijkswaterstaat imposes an intake restriction on HHNK for water from the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, which would prevent us from meeting all water demands. Less water would then be available because water levels in these lakes are too low. In that case, the so-called displacement sequence would take effect.
The coming weeks will be decisive in determining how the drought develops. We will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and take additional measures as needed.
