Outdoor living and working

Almost all of Hollands Noorderkwartier, North Holland above the North Sea Canal, lies below sea level. So the primary flood defenses - the dunes and dikes that protect us from the North Sea, the Wadden Sea, the IJsselmeer and the Markermeer - are very important to prevent flooding.

Flooding outside the dike

Areas lying between the primary flood barrier and the sea or the IJsselmeer or Markermeer are therefore not protected by these dikes. We call these the areas outside the dikes. Yet people live, work and recreate there. Under normal circumstances, the water does not go beyond the banks. But under special circumstances, flooding can occur there. Due to climate change there are more extremes and, especially on the shores of the IJsselmeer and the Markermeer, the probability of flooding of the area outside the dikes has increased.  

Outer dike on the IJssel and Markermeer

In the outer dike area of the IJssel and Markermeer lakes are mostly businesses and recreational homes, but also ordinary houses. At high tide there is a risk of flooding of quays, streets, cellars and sometimes even the first floor. If you live there, it is wise to take measures.  

A little more risk

Those who live in areas outside the dikes cannot count on protection from dikes. Therefore, as the owner of a home or business property, you also pay less water board tax. The chance of flooding is still small, but the risk has increased slightly due to climate change. That risk depends mainly on the location of your home or business premises. In general, the further from the water and the higher, the drier. 

No legal task

Outside the dikes, HHNK has no legal duty to prevent or counteract flooding. The primary dike forms the boundary of the area for which we are responsible. In the area outside the dikes the municipality assesses the safety situation in case of water nuisance, communicates about it and makes the consideration for usefulness and necessity of additional protective measures. You are responsible for the protection of your real estate and other possessions.

What can you do yourself?

At What Can You Do Yourself Against Flooding, you will find several tips to protect your home and property such as "install water retaining bulkheads" or "waterproof your basement. There are tips to prevent or reduce flooding and tips to combat flooding caused by extreme rain. The measures often help in both cases.