Update of flood information for the Rijkskeringen

Introduction

How much water ends up where if a barrier fails? Together with HKV, HydroLogic is updating the flood information for the Rijkskeringen for Rijkswaterstaat, so that regions and water managers are better prepared for an emergency.

  • Duration: 2025–present
  • Client: Rijkswaterstaat WVL
  • Partner: HKV
  • Keywords: flood information, water safety, modelling, Rijkskeringen
  • Models & Tools: D-HYDRO, D-HyDAMO, Python, Hydra-NL, LDO

Background

Need for insight

For a large part of the Rijkskeringen – locks, dams and barriers spread across seven Rijkswaterstaat regions – current or complete flood information was lacking. Rijkswaterstaat wished to have reliable, nationally consistent flood information available more quickly, usable for stress tests, risk dialogues and crisis management.

Method

Flood models

HydroLogic and HKV, together with the RWS regions and water managers, took stock per water system of which flood scenarios are missing or outdated, recorded in factsheets and a recommendation per region. We then developed new D-HYDRO 1D2D flood models – largely built in an automated way with D-HyDAMO and Python scripting – or updated existing models, after which scenarios were calculated per breach location and return period. Results such as water depth, flow velocity and arrival time were processed into maps and animations. These results were delivered via viewers and factsheets, and uploaded to the National Flood Information Database (LDO).

The result

Reliable information

For the Twente canals and the Brabant and Limburg canals, more than 150 new scenarios have now been calculated on the basis of a newly developed flood model. RWS regions and water managers thus have current, recognisable flood information that makes the vulnerability of the main water system clear and contributes to crisis management, risk dialogues and the prioritisation of management and maintenance.

What did the project deliver?

  • 7 Rijkswaterstaat regions screened for missing or outdated flood information
  • More than 150 new flood scenarios calculated for the Twente canals and the Brabant and Limburg canals
  • Dozens of Rijkskeringen analysed, from sea locks to dams and barriers
  • Results made available nationwide via the National Flood Information Database (LDO)
“By combining local knowledge, automation and the strength of two consultancies, we ensure that Rijkswaterstaat and the water managers can once again rely on current and reliable flood information.”
Laura Janssen | project lead
More information