Regional water authority Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht is introducing new measures across the region to protect local ecosystems as severe drought continues to strain freshwater supplies.
Dry weather and high temperatures have raised concerns about salinization, a process where soil and surface water become increasingly salty due to a shortage of incoming fresh water.
Temporary barriers and pumping stations
To combat the issue, a temporary extra pump installation is being positioned near Muiden to channel more fresh water from the Markermeer into the local network via the Vecht river. Existing infrastructure has been unable to draw in enough water to match the current demand.
To stop this fresh water from escaping into the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal, officials are closing the Smal-Weesp waterway. The lock in the center of Weesp will be shut on Friday, August 14, requiring recreational boat traffic to detour via the Amstel.
This step follows the recent closure of the Muidertrekvaart between the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal and Muiden. A temporary sheet pile wall was installed there to block saltwater - which enters the country through the sea locks at IJmuiden - from flowing down the canal into the Vecht.
Blue-green algae risks and fire safety
The prolonged dry weather, which has brought repeated heatwaves across the country, is creating additional logistical problems elsewhere in the catchment area.
In Huizen, water levels dropped so low that local firefighters lacked sufficient supply to put out fires. The water board was forced to pump in extra water from the Gooimeer, despite the presence of harmful blue-green algae in the lake.
Because these bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water and pose health risks to both people and animals, officials aim to halt the intake as soon as possible.
The municipality of Amsterdam recommends checking the quality of natural swimming locations at zwemwater.nl before taking a dip, noting that warnings are already active for popular outdoor spots like Het Twiske.
