Extreme drought bans water use from rivers and streams in central and western Brabant: ‘This should be a whitewater river’

An unprecedented drought has forced water authorities in the Dutch province of North Brabant to implement a ban on water extraction from rivers and streams. Effective immediately, using water from ditches, brooks, and rivers for irrigation is prohibited between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. This measure aims to conserve dwindling water resources during a critical period.

Peilmeester Sjoerd Buijks of the Brabantse Delta water authority described the alarming state of the Maas River, noting its water level is currently only 50 centimeters above NAP. This level is typically not reached until late August. Buijks attributed the low levels to a combination of factors: minimal rainfall in the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland, a poor snow season in the Alps, and dry easterly winds accelerating evaporation. Compounding the issue, water demand typically increases during the summer months.

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The Maas River is currently only 50 centimeters above NAP. Normally, the Maas only reaches such low levels at the end of August.

While surface water use is restricted, farmers are still permitted to pump groundwater from deep wells, cool fruit trees, provide water for livestock, and use water for firefighting purposes throughout the day. The water authority is actively channeling water into the polders during the day, enabling farmers to irrigate their lands at night.

Enforcement officers are monitoring compliance, including the use of drones. However, Buijks noted that in some instances, streams are so dry that farmers cannot pump water even if they wanted to, or they fear their expensive pumping equipment could become clogged. The situation is starkly illustrated by the exposed riverbanks and visible wooden stakes along the old Maas, which should normally be submerged.

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It should be gushing at the inlet; this should be a whitewater river.