Sweet Future Texel

For years, there has been a desire among farmers on Texel to make the island self-sufficient in fresh water. In fact, Texel is completely dependent on rainwater and the drinking water pipeline with the mainland for its fresh water supply. There is also a permanent and total ban on irrigation. 

What will happen?

To provide water for agriculture on Texel, sufficient precipitation falls in an entire year. However, most of the rain falls in the winter. Then the water is not needed and the surplus is pumped into the Wadden Sea. In this way 44 million^m3 of fresh water is lost annually. The preliminary study showed that 6 to 7 million^m3 is needed annually for all agriculture on Texel. This means that 15% of the water must be retained: a challenge that farmers on Texel are happy to take on. 

Within the 'Sweet Future Texel' project, tests are being carried out to see if rainwater can be stored in the ground from autumn onwards. In summer, the water can then be used in an economical and smart way to irrigate the fields. The establishment of water cooperatives for the management and distribution of freshwater resources, together with the establishment of financing arrangements, is an important part of the project.

Where and when will the project take place? 

The test will be conducted over the next three years (2020-2023) at two locations in the Eierland polder. Underground storage systems will be constructed there, ensuring that fresh water can be captured from the plots, stored underground and extracted for agricultural use.

Who do we work with?

We are working with a broad consortium of implementing and funding parties. You can find the grant decision on the State Aid Notifications page.

Want to know more?

For more information, see the website Sweet Future Texel.