Water consumption in the Noordkop is out of balance

May 28, 2026, 10:25 a.m.

Urgent Call for Collaboration

Water consumption in the Kop van Noord-Holland is currently out of balance. Due to high demand for water, particularly for irrigating agricultural fields, water levels in various polders are dropping faster than the water board can replenish them. Although we are drawing the maximum amount of water from the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, this volume cannot keep pace with the withdrawals occurring deeper within our region. Greater cooperation could make this possible. HHNK has therefore urgently requested that LTO and the KAVB call on their members to coordinate their water usage.

Situation in the polders

A significant amount of water is currently being withdrawn throughout the Noordkop region. As a result, water levels are dropping faster than HHNK can replenish them. The amount of water available is insufficient for farmers downstream in the various polders. It is not possible to increase the water intake. All available intakes are already fully open. This is putting pressure on the water system.

Call to farmers: Coordinate your water use

We understand that some crops require a lot of water right now. Nevertheless, we urge all farmers in the area to coordinate their water use and conserve water. Be considerate of one another. By coordinating who irrigates and when, farmers in the back of the area will also receive enough water,

Only through cooperation can everyone continue to have access to enough water.

What HHNK Does

HHNK continues to draw in as much water as possible. We are constantly monitoring our water levels. However, we can only continue to meet the demand for water with the cooperation of our users.

Enough water

So far this year, it has been one of the driest 5% of years on record. Thanks to HHNK’s location, we are currently able to draw sufficient water from the IJsselmeer and Markermeer. Despite the precipitation deficit, there is enough water available for the water system, the banks, and other functions that require water.