The Dutch National Water Distribution Committee issued a request for measure scenarios, with the aim of limiting saltwater intrusion via the locks at IJmuiden as a result of the drought in the Netherlands. These scenarios are currently being developed.
Currently, there is a drought in the Netherlands, which has resulted in shortage of fresh water. In the Western Netherlands, this has led to falling water levels in the polders and salinisation issues in the polders and the main water system.
The Port of Amsterdam said:
There will be no meaningful rainfall in the next two weeks and the situation is expected to worsen.
The salt content in the Amsterdam-Rijn canal may become too high if the drought continues. This will also cause problems for drinking water. If this happens, the use of the locks will have to be restricted.
There are then three potential scenarios to limit saltwater intrusion:
1. Optimise the passage process:
- Limit empty-lock filling;
- Ease the limitation at the Middensluis lock.
2. Limit the number of passages with restriction around the time of high water; apart from deep-draught vessels or tugs.
3. Stoppage of Noordersluis and Middensluis locks
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In case water shortages occur, the National Water Distribution Committee allocates the available national water across the sectors that depend on water, which include agriculture and horticulture, the shipping sector and environmental management.
The Port of Amsterdam is studying the various scenarios and will issue further information as soon as it becomes available. If the restriction scenario comes into operation, the Port will use its experiences with the shoaling of the Noordersluis lock in 2015 as a guide.
