Avoid contact with ditch water in Zoeterhage and Van Tuyllpark
Sewage has entered the ditches and ponds in the Zoeterhage industrial area and Van Tuyllpark. As a result, the water is contaminated, and contact should be avoided. The map below shows which ditches have been contaminated.
Update May 22
Over the past two weeks, the municipality of Zoetermeer and the Schieland and Krimpenerwaard Water Board (HHSK) have been working closely together to identify the cause of the pollution, prevent its spread, and clean up the contaminated water. The cause of the pollution has now been identified.
Due to renovation work on the Rokkeveen sewage pumping station, wastewater from the Oosterheem neighborhood was temporarily diverted via a different route. This placed additional pressure on parts of the sewer system. As a result of the increased pressure, contaminated wastewater ended up in the ditches and ponds. You can read more in this press release.
The contaminated rainwater system is currently being flushed out. This may temporarily cause an unpleasant odor in the surrounding area. Although this may be bothersome, the odor poses no danger to public health.
Cleanup efforts will continue over the coming week. In addition, an investigation is underway to assess the impact of the contamination on water quality and the surrounding environment.
Once water quality returns to normal, the informational signs in the area will be removed and this page will be updated accordingly.
Update May 18
The search area for the source of the contaminated water has been significantly narrowed down, from 2.5 square kilometers to two specific locations within an area of 400 square meters. We hope to identify the cause soon and come up with a permanent solution.
Update May 15
We are continuing our efforts to restore water quality. We are draining contaminated water and replenishing the ditches with clean water from the surrounding area. Our daily checks show that the quality of the ditch water is improving.
We are working hard to clean and inspect the sewer system to find the cause. The search area is getting smaller and smaller.
Over the next few days (this weekend), we will continue to pump out the contaminated ditches and restore the water level using clean water.
The advisory for the area remains:
- Avoid contact with water
- Don't let your dog swim
- Do not let children play near the water
- Do not use ditch water in your garden
If you experience any symptoms after coming into contact with the water, contact the GGD or a doctor.
Update May 13
On Tuesday, May 12, work began on draining contaminated sections of surface water. This is being carefully coordinated with the water authority, which is ensuring that an equal amount of clean water is supplied, without causing excessive fluctuations in the water level in the ditches.
The sports clubs have been informed whether any fields are located outside the affected area and which fields can therefore be watered again (with clean water).
In the meantime, we as a municipality, together with various parties, continue to investigate the cause.
Read more at:
Update on sewer overflows in Zoetermeer | Schieland and Krimpenerwaard Water Board
Update May 12
The ditches in the contaminated area have been closed off to prevent the contaminated water from spreading further. Every effort is being made to identify the cause. In addition, the environmental impact is being assessed. Where necessary, measures are being taken, such as removing dead fish and relocating fish to cleaner water.
The municipality and the water authority are informing residents, users, and organizations about the situation in the area and the measures that are in effect. Warning signs have been posted at various locations. In addition, enforcement officers are present in the area to inform people about the risks.
The use of surface water is temporarily unavailable. This is affecting various sports and recreation clubs in Van Tuyllpark because the fields cannot be watered. Other users have adjusted their activities to avoid contact with the ditch water.
The municipality of Zoetermeer and the water board are continuing to investigate the cause and work toward resolving this situation. As soon as there is more clarity regarding the cause and when surface water can be used safely again, further information will be provided.
Update May 10
We are inspecting the sewer lines where we suspect there is a leak. At this time, we are primarily taking extra measures to prevent the contamination from spreading further.
What should we do now?
We are closing off several culverts. A culvert is a pipe under a road or path that allows water to pass through. By closing them off, we prevent contaminated water from spreading as easily. We are pumping out the sewer system to prevent it from becoming too full. We had already closed off these pipes earlier because there is a leak somewhere along them.
On Monday, May 11, we will begin cleaning the sewer system. Starting Wednesday, May 13, we expect to be able to flush out the ditches and ponds step by step using clean water from nearby sources, specifically from other ditches.
What does this mean for you?
You can continue to use the toilet, take showers, and use water in your home as usual. This is unrelated to the contaminated water in the ditches and ponds.
Dead fish
In the coming days, dead fish may become visible in the water. This often doesn’t happen until a few days later. The city will remove these fish. You can also report dead fish via the BuitenBeter app at .
Update May 9
At this time, wastewater from the sewer system is flowing into the ditches. The cause of this is not yet known. We are investigating the cause.
Measures
The municipality is taking measures to limit further pollution and to prepare for the rain expected next week:
- Sewers in the area will be shut off where possible
- Pipes are being drained
- So-called "diver" teams are deployed to seal off leaking sewer lines
If sewage enters open water, it can cause health problems and harm nature and aquatic life, so the advice remains the same: avoid contact with the water.
First post: May 8
Sewage has entered the ditches and ponds in the Zoeterhage industrial area and Van Tuyllpark. As a result, the water is contaminated, and contact with it should be avoided.
The recommendation:
- Avoid contact with water
- Do not let your dog swim in the water
- Do not let children play in or near the water
- Do not spray sports fields
Water quality is (temporarily) poor. We, as a municipality, are working with the water board to resolve the situation. As soon as more information becomes available, you can find it here or at “Sewage Overflows in Zoetermeer: Avoid Contact with Water” | Schieland and Krimpenerwaard Water Board.
