Sweet Future Texel

For years, farmers on Texel have wanted to make the island self-sufficient in terms of fresh water. Texel is completely dependent on rainwater and the drinking water pipeline connecting it to the mainland for its fresh water supply. There is also a permanent and total ban on irrigation. 

What's going to happen?

There is sufficient rainfall throughout the year to supply agriculture on Texel with water. However, most of the rain falls in winter. At that time of year, the water is not needed and the surplus is pumped into the Wadden Sea. This results in the loss of 44 million^m3 of fresh water annually. The preliminary study showed that all agriculture on Texel requires 6 to 7 million^m3 annually. This means that 15% of the water must be retained: a challenge that Texel's farmers are happy to take on. 

The 'Sweet Future Texel' project is testing whether rainwater can be stored in the ground from the fall onwards. In the 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 supplies, together with the setting up of financing arrangements, forms 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 to collect fresh water from the plots, store it underground, and extract it for use in agriculture.

Who do we work with?

We work together with a broad consortium of implementing and financing parties. You can find the subsidy decision on the State Aid Notifications page.

Want to know more?

For more information, visit the Zoete Toekomst Texel website at .