You are at the Water-authority office. Noorderzijlvest Water Authority works every day to provide a safe, sufficient, clean, and healthy water supply in Groningen, Drenthe, and part of Friesland. We manage water levels, treat wastewater, and work together with residents and partners to find solutions to climate change. Without water authorities, more than half of the Netherlands would be underwater.
The De Waterwolf pumping station plays a vital role in draining water from large parts of Groningen and Drenthe. Since 1920, it has protected millions of residents from flooding with its impressive pumping capacity. The pumping station is a technical and historical landmark and a symbol of resilience in the battle against water.
A coupure is a gap in a flood defence, such as a dyke and it serves as an important passage between the city and the port. There are four passages: two electric roll-up doors, a swing door, and a sliding door. In the event of high water, we can close these doors. This always happens in cooperation with the Hunze en Aa's water authority.
You are at the Garmerwolde Wastewater Treatment Plant. At Noorderzijlvest Water Authority we provide safe, sufficient and clean water in Groningen, north and central Drenthe, and a small part of Friesland. We do this by treating municipal wastewater. In Garmerwolde, for example. Here, we treat all wastewater that ends up in the sewer system from households, businesses, and rainfall. For example, the water you use when you shower, or when you flush the toilet at school or work.
You are at the Hunsingo “ pumping station ,” which is part of the “ Nieuwe Waterwerken Zoutkamp (Zoutkamp hydraulic-engineering works) ” project. Having enough water is very important. There shouldn’t be too much water, because that causes flooding during heavy rainfall. But there also shouldn’t be too little water, because then the soil can dry out and dykes weaken due to the subsidence of peat, for example. Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is working on this issue at the “ Nieuwe Waterwerken Zoutkamp (Zoutkamp hydraulic-engineering works).” This work will be completed in June 2026.
