Water management
Integrated water resources management can be described as the management of ground and surface water resources in terms of quantity, quality and ecology, carried out from a multi-disciplinary point of view, and addressing social issues on water. Central in this approach is the recognition that ecologically healthy and sound functioning water systems are the basis for sustainable use of the available water; the so-called water system approach.
Dutch water management - new policy
The water system approach was introduced in the Netherlands after the Dutch were faced with extreme water related problems: In 1993 and 1995, the Netherlands was startled by extremely high water levels in the rivers. Shortly thereafter, inhabitants and farmers of yet another region of the Netherlands were burdened with water related problems resulting from sustained rainfall. During the 1990s, the Netherlands also experienced several summers of dramatically low levels of precipitation.
Because of climate change and economic trends, the continued existence of the Netherlands requires everything to be done to prevent flooding and limit any damage. It is a good idea to do this now by using more resources, making better use of knowledge, defining responsibilities better and cooperating better. The entire safety chain is central to this, which means that a joint approach to preventing flooding will be examined, as well as limiting any damage, in cooperation with all parties in the Netherlands.
Source: Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management