Assessing safety
Every year, we report to our supervisor (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate, part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment) on the condition of our primary flood defenses.
In addition, every twelve years we must assess whether our primary flood defenses still meet the required safety standards. We report on this to the Minister. For regional flood defenses, we do this every six years. In the assessment, we thoroughly examine all components of the flood defense. Flood defenses that do not meet the standards are reinforced.
New water safety standards
Since 2017, the Netherlands has had new water safety standards for dikes, dams, and dunes. The new approach not only considers the likelihood of flooding, but also takes the consequences into account. Everyone in the Netherlands receives the same basic level of protection against flooding. In addition, areas at risk of high casualties and major economic damage receive extra protection.