Intake shutdowns by water supply companies in the Netherlands, 1983-2002
The quality of the surface water extracted by water supply companies is not acceptable for drinking water production. In a few locations, this has resulted in recent years in temporary shutdowns in the intake of surface water.
Intake shutdowns continue at Brabantse Biesbosch Water Company (see figure)
At the Brabantse Biesbosch Water Company, there are still a number of interruptions every year of the intake of water from the Maas for the reservoirs in the Brabantse Biesbosch. The main reason for the intake shutdowns is that the quality of the water from the Maas does not meet the criteria. Some shutdowns are also caused by the fact that there is not enough water.
There are natural and non-natural reasons why the water from the Maas is sometimes not up to standard. Natural causes include, for example, turbidity or algal bloom. The latter can result from the Maas flowing too slowly. Non-natural causes may include discharges of pesticides or shipping accidents.
Situation at other intake points (not in the figure)
During a few periods in 2001 and 2002, contamination with pesticides was found at the intake points in Nieuwegein of the Rhine-Kennemerland Water Company. This contamination meant that intake shutdowns or operational measures were required.
At a number of other sites, there have been no intake shutdowns for many years now.
Policy
Both the government and the water companies are making efforts to ensure that drinking water remains up to standard.
- The government has introduced policies aimed at limiting the discharges of harmful substances into surface water by various emission reduction measures.
- If the quality of the surface water that is taken in fails to meet requirements, water companies take action, such as adding or introducing good-quality groundwater and a temporary intake shutdown of surface water.
