Filling will continue until Tuesday, August 4, or Wednesday, August 5. How long the reservoir remains full depends on the amount of fresh water the Rijnland Water Board has at its disposal in the coming period. The availability of fresh water, in turn, depends on the weather and the outflow from the Rhine. Once the water from the reservoir begins to be used, it will take about a week for it to empty again. In total, this will quickly add up to 3 weeks. As of Saturday afternoon, August 8, part of the additional buffer has been used. Water from the Nieuwe Driemanspolder reservoir is flowing into the polder. The polder pumping station then pumps approximately 2 cubic meters of water per second into the Starrevaart drainage basin. This measure allows Rijnland to maintain water levels in the drainage basin, the major canals, and the lakes as much as possible and to make the best possible use of the available freshwater.

Freshwater Buffer in the Nieuwe Driemanspolder

July 30, 2026, 2:35 p.m.

Due to the ongoing drought and the declining supply of freshwater from the Rhine, there is not enough freshwater available. For this reason, the Rijnland Water Board is temporarily building up an additional supply of freshwater. To do so, they are using, among other things, the storage facility in the Nieuwe Driemanspolder. This measure is expected to allow them to delay the release of brackish water (saltier water) into our area by one week. Brackish water is harmful to agriculture and nature. Water levels must remain high enough to ensure the stability of the dikes, so if the drought persists, the release of brackish water may still be necessary.

For more information, read the frequently asked questions below or visit the " Questions and Answers: Drought 2026" page on the Rijnland Water Board website at.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Freshwater Buffer at Nieuwe Driemanspolder

Why is there suddenly so much more water in the Nieuwe Driemanspolder?

The Rijnland Water Board is temporarily using the storage facility as an additional freshwater buffer. This allows them to store water while it is still available, so that they will be less likely to have to let in brackish water later on.

How much will the water level rise?

The water level is rising by 1.10 meters. As a result, some hiking trails and islands will be submerged.

Can I still go for a walk or enjoy recreational activities here?

Some of the walking trails and islands are temporarily closed because they are flooded. Information signs will be posted at the entrances.

How long will this take?

Filling will continue until Tuesday, August 4, or Wednesday, August 5. How long the reservoir remains full depends on the amount of fresh water the Rijnland Water Board has at its disposal in the coming period. The availability of fresh water, in turn, depends on the weather and the outflow from the Rhine. Once the water from the reservoir begins to be used, it will take about a week for it to empty again. In total, this will quickly add up to 3 weeks.

Starting Saturday afternoon, August 8, part of the additional buffer has been used. Water from the Nieuwe Driemanspolder storage reservoir is flowing into the polder. The polder pumping station then pumps approximately 2 cubic meters of water per second into the Starrevaart drainage basin. This measure allows Rijnland to maintain water levels in the drainage basin, the major canals, and the lakes as much as possible and to make the best possible use of the available freshwater.

Is this safe for nearby residents?

Yes. The Nieuwe Driemanspolder was constructed as a water storage area for exceptional situations. The situation remains safe even during this operation. In addition, Rijnland is continuously monitoring the situation.

Is that really what the Nieuwe Driemanspolder is intended for?

The polder was originally constructed to temporarily store water during periods of extreme rainfall. In this exceptionally dry situation, the Rijnland Water Board is temporarily using the available space to retain freshwater. That is currently the case.

Will this be at the expense of nature and birds?

The Nieuwe Driemanspolder serves multiple purposes: water storage, nature conservation, and recreation. The Rijnland Water Board only uses the storage facility when it is truly necessary. In doing so, alternatives and the impacts on nature and recreation have been carefully weighed.

Can we still swim here?

The Nieuwe Driemanspolder is not an official swimming area. In addition, due to the higher water level, underwater obstacles may be less visible.

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