Overview
- Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland imposed a ban on taking surface water from ditches and canals to save dwindling freshwater and has begun active inspections and enforcement.
- In the first round of checks after the ban started last Wednesday, inspectors reported no violations but officials can switch off pumps, issue 'last onder dwangsom' orders and file reports with the public prosecutor.
- The measure mainly affects glasshouse growers in Westland and local sports clubs that normally use ditch water, with sector groups saying about 130–150 businesses fear crop loss if the drought continues for another one to two weeks.
- Authorities and growers are racing to secure emergency supplies; options under review include using treated wastewater from Harnaschpolder and installing a desalination unit, with a multi-party meeting planned mid-week to seek permissions.
- Growers are coping short term by sharing water between firms and using on-site basins, but those reserves are limited and officials warn further restrictions or delayed approvals could force crop losses and disrupt local sports pitches.