Collaborative water management plan for Lemelerberg tackles flooding and drought
Residents, farmers, and authorities in Overijssel have united to address water shortages and flooding around Lemelerberg. Their joint report outlines solutions to secure agriculture, nature, and drinking water supplies, offering a model for other regions.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Region | Lemelerberg area, Overijssel |
| Issues Addressed | Water shortages and flooding |
| Collaborators | Farmers, local residents, authorities, civil society organisations |
| Key Measure Examples | Temporary water storage, adjusted watercourses and ditches |
| Report Status | Presented to administrators; finalisation in early March 2026 |
| Next Steps | Feasibility assessment of proposed measures |
| Contact for Report | tvopvechtdal@overijssel.nl |
The Province of Overijssel plays a coordinating role in regional water management, ensuring sustainable solutions for agriculture, nature, and public utilities. This initiative aligns with its broader policy to foster collaboration among stakeholders for effective area-based governance.
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Read the full translated article below
Joint vision of the Lemelerberg water system brings solutions within reach
In the area surrounding the Lemelerberg, there are sometimes water shortages and at other times flooding. The causes of these issues were viewed differently by those involved. Farmers from two area processes, local residents, authorities and civil society organisations around the Lemelerberg have collaborated to create a shared knowledge base of the water system in the region.
The collected data has been compiled into a report, which was presented to the administrators of the partner organisations. By jointly gathering knowledge and discussing it, a shared understanding of the water system and the factors influencing it has been established. "Based on this, the parties involved can jointly determine which measures are needed to make agriculture, nature and drinking water extraction future-proof," says deputy Maurits von Martels.
Coherent approach provides clarity
There were differing views on the causes of water levels. This made it difficult to jointly select effective and sustainable measures. Deputy Martijn Dadema: "This research shows that knowledge and discussion about it help to reach a single clear vision. This enables further collaboration. It is an important part of the coalition agreement 'Shoulder to Shoulder'."
Possible measures further examined
The report includes examples of possible measures, such as temporarily storing water in designated collection points or adjusting watercourses and ditches. In the next phase, the parties involved and their administrators will jointly assess which measures are feasible in the area.
The research was conducted with independent experts. Farmers from the area processes Archem-Eerde and Boeren Lemelerveld, Dalmsholte and Giethmen, Landschap Overijssel, Natuurmonumenten, the water boards Vechtstromen and Drents Overijsselse Delta, Vitens, the municipalities of Ommen and Dalfsen and the Province of Overijssel collaborated on this.
Method also suitable for other areas
The Province of Overijssel sees a shared knowledge base as a useful tool to also gain an objective picture of what is happening in other areas. Jointly investigating facts is therefore mentioned in the coalition agreement 'Shoulder to Shoulder' as a good starting point for area processes. Administrators can still respond to the report. After that, it will be finalised in early March and made available digitally.
More information
Are you curious about the report? Email tvopvechtdal@overijssel.nl and we will send you the digital version.
A clear explanation of the content of the report can also be found in the video 'Explanation: knowledge base of the Lemelerberg water system'.