Future-proof Heuvelrug, Gooi and Vechtstreek: water and soil as the foundation

Introduction

How can the Heuvelrug, Gooi and Vechtstreek remain liveable under increasing drought, water nuisance and spatial pressure? With hydrological research and spatial design, we developed a shared course in which the natural water and soil system once again forms the foundation.

  • Duration: 2022–2023
  • Clients: Gooi and Vechtstreek Region, Amstel, Gooi and Vecht Water Board, MRA Landschap, PWN, Vitens, Waternet and the Province of North Holland
  • Partner: H+N+S
  • Keywords: water and soil as steering principles, climate adaptation, hydrology, drought, water nuisance, groundwater, seepage, drinking water, nature, spatial planning, design-led research and actionable perspective
  • Models & Tools: Hydrological system analyses, groundwater analyses, GIS, flow path and seepage maps

Background

Natural system out of balance

Climate change, land subsidence, urbanisation and intensive land use are putting pressure on the water and soil system of the Heuvelrug, Gooi and Vechtstreek. The layout of the area does not sufficiently match the natural functioning of soil, groundwater and surface water.

This results in problems with drought, water nuisance and water quality. These affect nature, agriculture, drinking water supply and urban areas. Isolated technical measures are not sufficient: there was a need for a coherent long-term vision for the entire area.

Method

Hydrology and spatial planning connected

HydroLogic and H+N+S Landschapsarchitecten jointly mapped out how the water and soil system works and its relationship with land use. Existing knowledge was supplemented with hydrological research, interviews and multidisciplinary work sessions with specialists, policymakers and regional stakeholders.

Various future scenarios up to 2100 were investigated: continuing on the current path, technical optimisation, more natural variation and integral redevelopment. Using Critical System Indicators, we assessed the effectiveness and impact of these directions.

Based on these insights, we developed concrete building blocks per sub-area for the short, medium and long term.

More about our method

The result

Shared course

The research shows that the area must become less dependent on water supply from the main water system. More water from the region itself must be retained and infiltrated, so that groundwater reserves and seepage flows can recover.

In addition, land use and spatial planning must better match the natural characteristics of the area. Technical measures remain important, but mainly support a more robust natural system.

The actionable perspective delivered shows per sub-area which measures are possible, on what timescale they can be deployed and what their expected effect is. In this way, the research provides a shared basis for policy choices, follow-up research and area processes.

What did the project deliver?

  • An integral analysis of the water and soil system
  • Insight into groundwater flows, seepage, downward seepage and the coherence between sub-areas
  • Four future scenarios for the area towards 2100
  • Five main principles for a future-proof landscape
  • Concrete building blocks for the short, medium and long term
  • An actionable perspective with insight into the effectiveness of measures
  • A shared knowledge base for governments, water managers and drinking water companies
“Tackling problems at the source, with system-oriented solutions.”
Janneke de Graaf | project lead
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