Library

This report introduces the principles of Dutch flood protection. It explains the legal framework, safety standards, and engineering methods. The document provides international readers with insights into Dutch water management. It supports knowledge exchange on flood risk reduction.

This paper investigates how people in the Netherlands perceive flooding and climate change risks. Using survey data, the authors examine the influence of experience, knowledge, and socioeconomic factors on risk perception. Results show divergence between objective risk and perceived risk, and highlight the importance of communication and awareness. The authors argue that perceptions shape public support for adaptation strategies.

This paper reviews methods for assessing flood risk at global, national, regional, and local levels. It compares methodologies, data availability, and uncertainties across scales. The authors identify research needs, including harmonising data on flood defences and improving validation through post-disaster information. The study emphasises integrating economic impacts and infrastructure vulnerability into assessments.

This Deltafacts publication explains processes and risks of salt intrusion. It discusses implications for freshwater availability and ecosystems. The report outlines adaptation measures for water management. It provides an accessible knowledge base for practitioners.

This paper analyses how urban morphology and land use affect the spatial variability of the urban heat island (UHI) in Rotterdam. Using innovative bicycle-mounted meteorological instruments, the researchers measured temperature variations across diverse urban environments. Results showed nocturnal temperature differences exceeding 7 K, largely influenced by vegetation density and built-up area. A regression model linked these temperature variations to land cover and produced an UHI map highlighting areas most susceptible to heat stress, providing guidance for urban planning and climate adaptation.

This policy document sets out the 2015–2028 implementation programme for safeguarding freshwater availability across the Netherlands, with detailed programming for 2015–2021 and adaptive agenda-setting for 2022–2028. It prioritises “no-regret” measures: a 20 cm flexible buffer in the IJsselmeer, expansion of the Kleinschalige Wateraanvoer (KWA+) to curb salinisation in West Netherlands, and a retention-centred shift on the Hoge Zandgronden. It advances “slim watermanagement” (real-time, joint operations), targeted regional actions, and innovative pilots (e.g., effluent reuse, smarter irrigation). Financing is shared by regions, users and the Deltafonds, aligning governance and annual updates under the National Delta Programme.

This report analyses the link between precipitation and resulting damage. It provides models and approaches for estimating impacts. The study supports municipalities and water managers in adaptation planning. It emphasises the importance of local context in risk assessments.

This report synthesises current knowledge on internal salinisation in low-lying Dutch polder areas, explaining geological origins, human-induced drivers, and expected amplification by climate change. It reviews impacts on water supply, agriculture, nature, and livestock, and contrasts user perceptions with regulatory norms while noting key knowledge gaps. The study inventories mitigation and adaptation measures at user, management, and policy levels, emphasising regional self-sufficiency and smarter allocation of scarce fresh water. It concludes that while flushing remains common practice, rising demand and dwindling high-quality supplies require differentiated water quality objectives and targeted, locally cost-effective measures.

This report establishes a standard method for estimating flood damage and casualties. It provides calculation approaches for consistent assessments. The method is used in Dutch flood risk management and cost-benefit analyses. It improves comparability of studies.