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Your Water World!
The Netherlands and water. They are inextricably linked. Since the Middle Ages, we have been battling against rising water levels. We held back the water with dykes and dyke passages (also known as coupures), and drained off excess water using waterways and mills. Nowadays, pumping stations have taken over the task of the mills almost everywhere, but more is needed to keep our feet dry. Climate change is presenting us with additional challenges, such as periods of heavy rainfall or, conversely, too little rain, resulting in flooding or drought. We also want to keep our water clean for our own health.
Locks, weirs, and pumping stations
To ensure that there is sufficient clean water in every season, the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority has installed numerous locks, weirs, pumping stations, culverts, and treatment plants throughout our region. Each of these structures has its own function and is a familiar feature of the landscape for many residents. But what exactly do they do?
Locations
The map below shows various locations marked with binoculars. From these spots in our working area, we will take you on a journey into the world of water in the coming period. You can recognize the locations by the specially designed benches in the shape of a diving board. These will be placed at various pumping stations, locks, sewage treatment plants, and dikes over time. Each bench also has the recognizable binoculars. These represent focus, visibility, and experiencing the outside world.
The first location with a bench is the Waterschapshuis (Water Board House) on Stedumermaar. This is the starting point for a number of beautiful and informative cycling and walking routes. Would you like to know more about the location or just enjoy a nice outing? Go to the Waterschapshuis and download the various routes as PDF files.
The next two locations where benches will be placed and routes mapped out are the De Waterwolf pumping station (Electra) and the coupures (dyke passages) near Delfzijl. These will follow later this year, but you can already read up on them! The other locations marked on the map with binoculars will follow in 2026.
Answers to the questions:
- Is it okay to water your garden every day in this summer heat?
- Why do I often see fish coming to the surface in summer?
- Why is the water level in the ditches high in summer?
- What is a pumping station?
- What can I do if my garden stays wet when it rains a lot?
- Does water from ditches always flow directly to the sea?
- What does it mean if my house is below N.A.P. (Normal Amsterdam Level)?
