Nieuwe Driemanspolder redevelopment provides peak water storage
The Nieuwe Driemanspolder, a former agricultural area between the cities of Zoetermeer, The Hague Leidschenveen, and Leidschendam-Voorburg, is being redeveloped into a peak water storage area combined with nature and recreational functions.
The Midden Holland region is in need of peak water storage facilities. Extreme precipitation causes a rapid water level rise in the polder ditches and the surrounding drainage pools. This puts pressure on the local water system, while the probability of local waterlogging increases. The construction of the peak water storage area in the Nieuwe Driemanspolder will reduce this risk and improve flood risk management throughout the Rijnland region. The Rijnland district water control board thus prevents wet feet among the residents of this region.
The redevelopment is to result in a 300-hectare area, comprising 144 hectares of water predominantly intended as a peak water storage facility. In addition, there will be room for nature and recreation. In the current situation, biodiversity in the Nieuwe Driemanspolder is limited as a result of intensive agricultural use. The redevelopment will enhance the quality of nature in the area and create a more diverse nature reserve to accommodate many different species. Meadow birds will find the area less suitable as a breeding habitat, whereas its function as a foraging area will improve. The protected species already present will continue to find a home in the area in the new situation. By 2020, once the redevelopment of the Nieuwe Driemanspolder has been completed, it will provide plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy water, nature, and leisure activities such as cycling, skating, hiking, horseback riding, driving horses, canoeing, rowing, bird watching, camping, and having a drink or a bite to eat. The newly constructed trails will link up with existing trails in the environment and will thus be incorporated into the network.
The images below show the area in three different situations: a dry period, a normal situation, and a situation in which the peak water storage is in use.
Lessons learned from the project
The Nieuwe Driemanspolder project has generated new insights for the Rijnland district water control board regarding environmental management. Local residents have been involved in the planning process right from the start. The efforts expended to this end have established a relationship with the immediate surroundings, featuring open and direct communication.
Contact person
Esther Verdoes-Verloop
Hoogheemraadschap van Rijland
071 306 3394
Esther.Verdoes-Verloop@rijnland.net