The pressure on freshwater is increasing. We help water managers, stakeholders and policymakers to understand water availability and freshwater–saltwater dynamics in their area. We guide operational, tactical and strategic choices on measures to better balance supply and demand, and we work towards climate-resilient water systems.
In the Netherlands, many water uses are supplied with water of the right quantity and quality. That cannot be taken for granted. Prolonged drought, increasing water demand, sea level rise and salinisation are putting ever more pressure on the availability and quality of freshwater. This sometimes calls for water distribution on a knife-edge and for well-considered choices about spatial planning, policy and investments.
HydroLogic maps out how much freshwater is available, where and when shortages arise, and how salt spreads through the water system. We translate these insights into concrete actionable perspectives. In this way, we support operational choices in water distribution, tactical considerations about measures and strategic decisions about a future-proof freshwater supply.
We start with the issue and the decision that needs to be made. Together with water managers, users and policymakers, we investigate how the water and soil system functions, which interests are at play and what information is needed to make choices.
Depending on the question, we deploy system analyses, data, models, climate scenarios or digital water services. We connect knowledge of groundwater and surface water, salinisation, climate and water uses with digitalisation and collaboration.
With joint knowledge development, scenario analyses and clear visualisations, we make complex relationships understandable. For example, we make the sponge function of the water and soil system visible and translate the principle of 'water and soil guiding' into concrete choices for specific areas. In doing so, the conversation shifts from "how does the system work?" to "which choices do we want and can we make?"
With our analyses, advice and services, we support water managers in:
Freshwater availability affects a wide range of interests, including agriculture, nature, drinking water supply, industry, shipping and urban areas. Choices therefore require more than model results: a shared understanding of the water system, transparent trade-offs and cooperation between the parties involved.
We bring together measurement data, model results, practical knowledge and interests, and make uncertainties explicit. For the Rhine–Meuse estuary, for example, we translated complex salinisation processes into usable chloride relationships. This enables operational water managers to anticipate salinisation in good time and to assess the effects of interventions.
For the Dutch freshwater regions, we developed decision frameworks for water distribution during drought together with water managers. Current information and forecasts are linked in them to possible measures and agreements. This creates a shared basis for timely, explainable and coordinated action.
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about our approach. Is your question not listed? Then please get in touch.
We combine current measurements, forecasts and knowledge of the water system with information on water demands, interests and available measures. Together with water managers, we develop decision frameworks and trade-off frameworks. These support timely and explainable decisions on the distribution of water during dry periods.
Excessively high salt concentrations can limit the usability of water for agriculture, nature, drinking water production and industry. The degree of salinisation is influenced by, among other things, river discharge, sea level, wind, groundwater, water intake and the management applied. We map out these dynamics and the consequences for different water uses and support the determination of appropriate measures.
Yes. Freshwater availability arises from the interplay between groundwater, surface water, soil, precipitation, evaporation and human use. Depending on the issue, we investigate these components separately or as one coherent system.
It means that the properties and limits of the water and soil system carry great weight in decisions about land use and spatial planning. We make clear where water can be retained, which functions fit sustainably and where adjustment may be needed. In this way, we translate the principle into concrete choices for specific areas.
Yes. We develop information screens and digital water services that bring together current measurements, forecasts and model results. We link this information to jointly drawn-up decision frameworks, so that water managers can anticipate drought and salinisation in good time.
Would you like to know where freshwater bottlenecks arise in your area, how salinisation may develop or which measures have the most effect? We'd be glad to think it through with you.Meike Coonen
