Issue: Water management

This issue contains 4 sections.

Working on the delta

The Delta Programme concerns the present and the future. It consists on the one hand of programmes that are already being implemented to raise the standard of safety to the appropriate level. On the other hand, the Delta Programme consists of nine sub-programmes that are aimed at safety and the supply of freshwater in the longer term (until 2100).

The problem in the future

A sustainable supply of freshwater is of vital importance to life. Our current freshwater policy appears to be reaching its limits. The droughts of 2003 and the spring of 2011 showed that this is a reality and not a theory. It means we have to examine the efficiency of the water system and the use of water. The system needs to be more flexible and more efficiently structured, and water must be used more efficiently as well.

For the short term, the Freshwater sub-programme is implementing measures like the additional storage of water in the winter half-year, making use of additional supply routes and optimising the use of water. For the long term, a more fundamental approach is needed to increase the supply of water and limit water demand.

Issues involved in this include: How much water will we soon deliver and at what price? What responsibilities do users have? The challenge is to set down goals for a sustainable and efficient freshwater supply. In this regard, we will also look at agreements with neighbouring countries.

Up until mid-2012 we will be focusing on setting down goals and exploring possible strategies. Up until mid/2013, we will be fleshing out promising strategies, measures and instruments. In 2014, all of this should lead to a Delta Decision on a new preferred strategy for freshwater