Water Conservation Scheme effectiveness study

Related theme: Climate adaption

Background -  Water conservation scheme

In July 2020, in response to the third dry summer in a row, the Water Board Vallei and Veluwe decided to set up a Water conservation scheme. The aim was to encourage landowners to conserve water on a structural basis before, during and after dry spells. The water authority acted quickly, taking just three weeks between launching the idea and adopting the scheme. 

The objectives of the scheme:

1. Conserve water (take fast and effective measures in rural/agricultural areas to help prevent drought, hold water and increase the water supply in the groundwater resource capillaries.)
2. Encourage landowners to take these water-conserving measures.
3. Keep the administrative burden on the applicants as low as possible.

Challenge –  Assessing success

The scheme was implemented very quickly and mostly used by private individuals, such as farmers and landowners. To assess the scheme’s success, the water authority asked TAUW professionals to establish the effect of the measures taken, but also to evaluate the administrative process and identify points for improvement.

Solution – Comprehensive approach

TAUW put together a team of colleagues with either a background in hydrology or with administrative know-how. The team used the following methods and instruments to come to results and recommendations. 

1. Desk study
2. Two hydrological studies
3. Interviews
4. Survey
5. Dialogue session with focus group

 We completed the study in March 2022 and concluded that all three objectives had been achieved to a certain extent. The use of weirs in ditches proved one of the most effective measures. The main recommendation was to take water conserving measures in conjunction with local authorities or larger bodies to maximise the effect.

Impact – Quantifying measures

Raising awareness among the general public for the need to conserve water and examining the most effective measures to achieve that is essential to a vital living environment.  In addition, by increasing the scale and scope of water-conservation in this area we can mitigate the effects of climate change.

Partnership - Smooth and effective

Waterschap Vallei en Veluwe appreciated TAUW's thorough approach.

“We are pleased with how the project was conducted. The outcomes offer new insights and form a solid substantiation for the follow-up. We will therefore use these outcomes to draw up a new subsidy scheme.”, Ingrid Kroeze, strategic adviser/concern controller at Waterschap Vallei en Veluwe.“