Room for the River (Netherlands)
At 34 locations, the Netherlands widened floodplains and dug side channels so rivers can safely carry more water (Rijkswaterstaat).
Image: NASA (ISS063-E-002730, astronaut photograph of the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta, April 23, 2020).
Last reviewed: 1 source cited
Instead of building higher walls, the Netherlands gave its rivers more space.
Room for the River made around 4 million people in the Netherlands safer from floods (Rijkswaterstaat).
Explain Like I'm 10
- When rivers get very full, they can flood towns.
- The Netherlands moved dikes back and dug extra channels so the water has more room.
- Now high water can spread out safely, and the riverside landscape is better too.
The Five W's of Room for the River
Who
Rijkswaterstaat and regional authorities, working closely with local residents.
What
Measures at 34 locations: more room for rivers to carry high water safely.
When
From 2006; officially completed with the opening of the Reevediep flood channel in early 2019.
Where
Along the IJssel, Waal, Lower Rhine and Lek rivers in the Netherlands.
Why
To improve flood safety while also improving the riverside landscape.
Impact Statement
Government solution · completed 2019
The programme cost €2.3 billion and improved safety, spatial quality and quality of life for around 4 million people (Rijkswaterstaat figures).
Source: Rijkswaterstaat, Room for the River
For Further Information: Rijkswaterstaat, Room for the River
The programme made space for high water at 34 locations rather than only raising dikes (Rijkswaterstaat).
How This Saves People & the Planet
For People
Around 4 million people are safer from river floods (Rijkswaterstaat).
Source: Rijkswaterstaat, Room for the River
For Nature
The work also improved the spatial quality of the river landscape (Rijkswaterstaat).
Learn More About Room for the River
Want to go deeper? Rijkswaterstaat explains the programme.
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