Extraction of groundwater by industry and water companies in the Netherlands, 1950-2000
The extraction of groundwater by industry and water companies is decreasing. The desiccation of nature is an important reason to discourage groundwater extraction.
Industry and drinking-water sector extracting less groundwater
Extraction by industry has been decreasing for a few decades now; since the nineties, extraction by the drinking-water sector has also been decreasing.
Water companies and industry have been extracting groundwater for decades. Water companies use this water to produce drinking water, primarily for supplying to households and industry. Industry extracts groundwater for several purposes (as a raw material, as process water and for cooling).
Groundwater is also extracted by agriculture and private individuals. Extraction by agriculture depends very much on the weather. There has been quite a strong trend in the last decade, particularly in this sector, to extract groundwater instead of using outside supplies of drinking water. The main reason was the steadily-increasing price of drinking water. This development does not appear to have continued in recent years. There is only limited extraction by private individuals.
Desiccation direct reason for measures
An indirect consequence of the introduction of the Pollution of Surface Waters Act in 1970 was the considerable reduction in water extraction (including groundwater) by industry. From the eighties onwards, as part of anti-desiccation activities, groundwater extraction was reduced, particularly by industry.
A possible negative effect of the extraction of groundwater is the desiccation of nature in the Netherlands.
