The province of South Holland, together with the seven water boards, has developed a new map set that provides crucial information about the water and soil system. These maps provide insight into four current themes: waterlogging, drought, water safety, and the availability of drinking water. They form an important basis for spatial choices that contribute to a future-proof living environment.

Space Under Pressure, Choices Becoming More Urgent

South Holland faces major spatial challenges. There is a need for new housing, space for nature restoration, economic growth, and sustainable agriculture. At the same time, climate change is causing increasing drought, soil subsidence, and waterlogging. These developments make it clear that choices about the arrangement of space can no longer be made without a good understanding of the water and soil system.

‘Water and Soil Guiding’

To better support area processes and spatial considerations, the report Water and Soil Guiding: Basis for Integral Considerations in Area Processes South Holland has been published. The accompanying map set visualizes where opportunities and bottlenecks lie in the field of water and soil. This makes it a valuable tool for governments, area developers, water boards, and other stakeholders in area processes.

Deputy Arne Weverling explains: “These maps are not a blueprint, but a practical tool. They make it immediately visible what an area can handle, where the vulnerabilities are, and what choices exist. That awareness is urgently needed. If we wait too long, options will become scarcer and costs higher. What we plan now may still be there in 2100 – but will it still work then?”

Received by Area Managers

During the presentation, area managers and representatives of the water boards received the first copies of the report from Arne Weverling and Marjon Verkleij, a water board member at the Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland and chair of the Water and Space Committee of the Association of South Holland Water Boards.

Verkleij emphasized the importance of collaboration: “From their expertise, the water boards have a crucial role in achieving a climate-resilient spatial arrangement, with room for water. But we must do this together. I am therefore very proud of the result of this proactive collaboration of South Holland water boards with the province. But this collaboration does not stop here: it ultimately concerns the use of the maps in practice, that’s where we achieve impact.”

Based on Data and Area Knowledge

The map set combines national models with regional data and area knowledge from the South Holland water boards and drinking water companies. The report has been prepared on behalf of the Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland, Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden, Waterschap Hollandse Delta, Hoogheemraadschap van Schieland and the Krimpenerwaard, Waterschap Rivierenland, Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland, Waterschap Amstel, Gooi and Vecht, and the province of South Holland. The drinking water companies Dunea, Oasen, and Evides have also contributed.

View the Report and the Maps

The full report and the map set are available via the page Water and Soil Guiding map material.