It is remarkably dry in Noord-Holland. On average, in March, the driest month ever measured, only 6 millimeters of precipitation fell, while 53 millimeters normally fall. Also this month there has been virtually no rainfall.
In the coming days that will change, because rain is expected from Friday. And so the water board calls on to collect as much rainwater as possible. “Put the rain barrel in the garden, or otherwise some buckets or jars,” says the spokesperson for the Hollands Noorderkwartier Water Board.
After the rain of this weekend, it seems to be getting dry again. “The collected rainwater can then be used well to spray the garden.”
No major problems due to IJsselmeer
At the moment the drought is no reason for care in Noord-Holland, the spokesperson explains. The IJsselmeer currently has sufficient water supply, which is constantly supplemented by water from the Rhine.
“We are very happy with the rain, because the buffer in the IJsselmeer will be raised.” Last summer it became exciting when the level had fallen in such a way that the water board was almost about to do that they were no longer allowed to extract water from the IJsselmeer. At a low water level, drinking water company PWN is given priority.
To prevent repetition of this problem, Rijkswaterstaat has decided to increase the water level of the Markermeer and IJsselmeer. Since last week, an increased target level of -12.5 cm NAP applies, instead of -20 cm NAP.
The Noord-Hollanders, however, calls on carefully to deal with drinking water. “We are now in the run -up to a dry period. By already absorbing rainwater, you can save again soon.”