Water safety

Safe dikes and dunes

Our climate is changing: sea levels are rising, it rains more often, the ground is sinking, and we are experiencing high water levels more frequently. If we do nothing, North Holland—which lies largely below sea level—will be flooded. That is why it is important that we properly maintain, manage, and, where necessary, improve 1,400 kilometre and dunes along the coast, along canals and lakes, and around polders.

  • Crisis management

    Emergencies can never be ruled out. Additional manpower, machines, and equipment are on standby.

  • Inspect

    We inspect our dikes for damage. This gives us an idea of their condition.

  • Maintained

    We determine the maintenance work based on inspections and maintenance plans.

  • Inspecting hydraulic engineering structures

    Every year, we test all hydraulic engineering structures in our area, such as locks, culverts, and weirs.

  • licence

    If you want to carry out activities near a dike or quay, you will usually need a water permit.

  • supervision and enforce

    We supervision compliance supervision the Water Board Regulations. If necessary, we can take enforcement action.

  • Assessing safety

    Every twelve years, we assess whether our primary flood defenses still meet the required standards. 

  • Strengthen

    Flood defenses that no longer meet standards must be reinforced.

  • Collaborating on Artworks

    By 2050, more than 900 structures in the Netherlands will be flood-proof. This is a considerable challenge for the next 30 years.

  • Sandy coast

    The dunes form a protective flood barrier. During storms and spring tides, they prevent flooding of the hinterland.

  • Invasive alien species

    Exotic species are plants or animals that do not occur naturally in our country, but have been introduced into the natural environment through human activity.