The Netherlands: The new approach to IWRM in the Veluwe Region

The Veluwe Water Board introduced an integrated approach for the water system in order to prevent both flooding and dehydration within the basin. An impulse has been given to nature development through the construction of natural banks. Space was created along the brook for extra water storage capacity in the shape of natural, gradual banks which further included retention basins construction.

As regards the prevention of dehydration, the infiltration capacity in the area was improved which provided ideal conditions for seepage potential. These actions have resulted to policies that are in support of preventing floods in the basin following the good examples of increased storage capacity.

In addition, actions were also taken in several other smaller rivers that drain into Veluwe for instance, the Verloren Beek, one of the basins of the nine rivers that form Veluwe. To achieve a reduction in the peak discharge of the basin as mentioned before, a number of both natural and gradual retention banks were constructed in these basins.

Meanwhile in Epe (another river basin) excess water is temporarily retained in special locations called retention areas. Though the retention areas were initially intended to serve as a measure to correct the water balance in "Wetland Epe", an added value has been given to them by the creation of these areas in the most natural way possible and more important managing them as a new wet nature area. This was achieved by a means of prolonged retention of water in the basin, consequently reducing the peak discharge during periods of extreme precipitation. Overall, six retention basins with a total surface area of 6.2ha have been set up.

Following the actions taken, water no longer rapidly drains but is rather retained longer in the minor tributaries. This was achieved by constructing natural, gradual banks as well as a number of retention basins. It helped to maintain a prolonged retention of water in the basin, which as well reduced the peak discharge from this area during periods of extreme precipitation. Space was created along the brook for extra water storage capacity in the shape of natural, gradual banks and the construction of retention basins. As regards the prevention of dehydration, the infiltration capacity in the area was improved and seepage potential given greater opportunity. Moreover, an impulse was also given to nature development through the construction of natural banks.

The combination of collapsible culverts in the brook, and use the various retention basins resulted an increase in the water storage capacity of the system by 30,000 m³. Apart from conserving and developing natural values in the area, the creation of extra storage capacity in the Eperbeken basin was one of the most important aspects of the realization of this initiative.

This case describes a new approach to an old problem; not solving a local flooding problem in the traditional, sectoral manner but rather with a broad, integrated approach. Conservancy of nature and landscape values and co-operation with the population in order to look at floods not only as a threat but also as an opportunity for broad rural development, nature restoration, recreation, "enrichment" of the habitat and for a new approach to water.