Wooded Meerzicht neighborhood gets added locks
Healthy water quality is worth gold to both people and animals. That is why the municipality of Zoetermeer and Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland have joined forces. Under the name "Our Blue Gold," they are working to protect and strengthen water quality.
Since mid-March, contractor KWS has been at work in the Bossenbuurt in Zoetermeer. Commissioned by Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland, KWS is working on measures to improve the water quality. Among other things, new watercourses (wide ditches) will be constructed. On Wednesday, March 26, Rijnland, the municipality of Zoetermeer and KWS met for the official start of the work.
Informational signs Forest Neighborhood
Information boards inform local residents about what is happening in the area and where to find the latest updates. Councilwoman Marijke van der Meer of Zoetermeer unveiled one of the construction signs in the park. Van der Meer: "The new ditches ensure that less nutrient-rich water flows into the Zoetermeer lake. This prevents the growth of blue-green algae. By improving the water quality in the lake and the urban area, we give more space to plants and animals."
Cooperation between municipality and water board
Hans Schouffoer (high water board, Rijnland): "We are very pleased to be able to work together with the municipality of Zoetermeer to improve water quality. As water board we provide the right conditions for clean water in Zoetermeer, such as with the work in the Bossenbuurt. We appreciate the efforts of both the municipality and the residents involved. We desperately need each other to improve water quality!"
Woodland neighborhood work
In the Bossenbuurt neighborhood, sewerage work is being carried out, new wide ditches dug, bicycle and pedestrian paths relocated and new trees planted. The ditches and ponds in Zoetermeer are now often connected by long underground pipes (culverts), sometimes as long as 400 meters. Digging more open water will improve the flow and connection between the water bodies. The work will be carried out by KWS using sustainable methods including electrical equipment.
The work is expected to last until summer 2026. Up-to-date information about the work can be followed via the KWS app(www.kws.nl/app).
Want to know more about the Our Blue Gold project?
Follow current projects at www.onsblauwegoud.nl.
