A daytime watering ban has taken effect across the region covered by Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht, which includes a large portion of Amsterdam. The restriction prohibits pulling water from local rivers, ditches, canals, and lakes between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
The temporary rules apply to private gardens, sports fields, and agricultural fields. Officials selected the daytime window specifically because high temperatures and sunlight lead to the greatest amount of water evaporation during those hours.
Preventing falling water levels
Regional executive Sander Mager noted that conditions are deteriorating as dry weather continues. Weather forecasts indicate that warm, dry conditions will persist across the region for the foreseeable future, making intervention necessary.
The policy aims to slow the drop in local groundwater and canal levels. Maintaining surface water levels is critical for preserving water quality and protecting aquatic plants and animals from harm during hot spells.
Potential for round-the-clock restrictions
The measure comes as regional authorities take broader steps to manage dry conditions, including earlier drought measures like lock closures in Weesp to prevent salt water from intruding into local freshwater supplies.
Water management officials have urged residents and organizations to comply voluntarily to protect the supply.
If the daytime ban proves insufficient to stabilize water levels, the water board warned it may escalate the restriction to a full 24-hour ban on extracting surface water.
