Overview
- Rijkswaterstaat and regional water boards declared a national 'feitelijk watertekort' (drought level 2) on Friday, and the KWA was put into full use to move limited fresh water inland.
- Rijkswaterstaat opened the Hagestein stuw to boost flows toward the Lek and Hollandse IJssel, a move meant to slow salt intrusion and keep water available for drinking, industry and nature.
- Several water boards have imposed local irrigation bans or extraction stops, municipalities have cut watering of public green, and recreational navigation is restricted in shallow harbors.
- Water managers have expanded inspections of dikes and other defenses because drying can cause cracks and instability, while foresters and farmers report stressed trees and crops even as some vineyards benefit.
- Drinkwater firms warn of deeper risks over the coming decade — Vitens’ chief says clean-supply reliability during droughts may not be guaranteed from about 2035 — and authorities are watching Rhine inflows and salt push inland for signs the situation could worsen toward level 3.