Water Scarcity in The Netherlands - UNECE · the Netherlands in 2050 (2100) • Identify short term...
Transcript of Water Scarcity in The Netherlands - UNECE · the Netherlands in 2050 (2100) • Identify short term...
Water Scarcity in The Netherlands Jos G. Timmerman Directorate General for Spatial Planning and Water
3 May 2012
2 3 May 2012 Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment
3 3 May 2012 Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment
Current situation
Current goal • Water availability is guaranteed by water authorities • “Sufficient freshwater, of good quality, on the right place, and
at the right time” • “Sufficient freshwater for all water users during the year”
Current Strategy • Use current infrastructure to provide freshwater • In case of scarcity use priority list • Use of instruments: permits • Accept financial losses
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Priorities
Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Safety and prevention of irreparable damage
Utilities Small-scale high-quality use
Other interests (economic assessment, also regarding nature)
1. Stability of dams
2. Settlement of peat
3. Nature
1. Drinking water
2. Energy
•Temporary irrigation of capital-intensive crops •process water
•Shipping •Agriculture •Nature (except for irreparable damage) •Industry •Recreation •Fishery
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Delta programme
Freshwaterprogramme • Sustainable freshwater management, now and in
2050 (2100) • Develop strategies for freshwater management in
the Netherlands in 2050 (2100) • Identify short term (2015) no-regret measures
Start 2010 Proposal for a decision in 2014
1. Protect the Netherlands against flooding 2. Guarantee sufficient freshwater
Scenarios
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Socio-economic growth
Socio-economic decline
Climate change modest
Climate change rapid
Pressure Steam
Calm Hot
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First results No fresh water supply possible
Not enough freshwater in the rivers and canals Water demand > water availability Salt water intrusion in fresh water system Current strategy and goal are not sustainable !!
Strategies
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Adaptive land use planning
Water availability is guaranteed by water authorities
User adapts to water
Water distributing company takes water to user
Demand driven
Supply driven
Public
Private
Next steps
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Develop possible strategies (5-7) Regional differentiation Rough calculation of consequences (hydrological,
economic, achievement of goals) Select promising strategies (± 3) Detailed calculations (cost-benefit, hydrology, etc.) Assessment of administrative preferences Selection of preferred strategy
Delta Decision in 2014
Transboundary aspects
• How will water consumption develop in the upstream countries?
• What will be the consequences for the river discharges?
• What are the options for dry periods (agreements, retention, etc.)?
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Lessons learned
• Involvement of local administrations and water users
• Involvement of decision-makers at the different administrative levels
• Transparent process • Limitations:
– of technical possibilities – of regional solutions
• Need for cooperation with water users 12 3 May 2012 Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment
13 3 May 2012 Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment
Thank you for your attention
www.deltacommissaris.nl/english/