Persistent dry conditions across the region have prompted regional water board Amstel, Gooi en Vecht to introduce additional measures to keep water levels stable and manage quality.
Starting Thursday, the lock in the center of Weesp is closed on the Vecht river side, halting direct passage for leisure boats.
Recreational boaters advised on detours
Boaters looking to travel through the area are being redirected via the Amstel. Officials advise against taking smaller pleasure craft through the busy Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal due to heavy commercial traffic.
The lock will stay closed until water conditions improve, with no fixed reopening date currently set.
Emergency pumps installed near Muiderslot
In addition to the lock closure, three emergency pumps are being set up at Muiderslot in Muiden. The equipment will move water from the Markermeer through the Vecht to supply local nature areas, including the Naardermeer, Spiegelplas, and Ankeveense plassen.
The water board noted that existing installations cannot handle the required capacity during extended dry spells, making temporary pumping equipment necessary.
Firefighter water supply and salt barriers
Further east in Huizen, extra water is being brought in so the local fire department maintains a sufficient supply for emergencies.
Because low water levels forced this temporary intake, blue-green algae has entered the local supply, which can harm aquatic plant and animal life, so the intake will stop as soon as levels recover.
These steps follow previous interventions brought on by the dry summer. Just last week, authorities put up a temporary sheet pile wall at the Muidertrekvaart near Muiden to prevent salt water from invading fresh coastal habitats.
