Flood Protection Standards for 2050 Introduced

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Flood Protection Standards for 2050 Introduced

Risk-based Approach is One of the Five Key Proposals in the Fifth Delta Programma that Was Presented by Delta Commissioner

The fifth Delta Programme contains decisions and strategies to improve the national flood safety and fresh water supply. Estimated costs are 20 billion euros. The Dutch government has already earmarked 1 billion euro per year till 2028 through a so-called Delta Fund.

The proposed flood safety standards are scheduled to be embedded in law by 2017 and all levees must meet these standards in 2050.

From water levels to potential risks
The current safety standards for water defences in the Netherlands anticipate on extreme high water levels due to extreme weather events occurring once in 1,250 up to 10,000 years.

The different protection levels are based on the size of the population and the economic importance. For regions with fewer inhabitants and of less economic value, lower standards were set at the time.

However, this assumption is now no longer considered applicable. The probability of flooding due to high water levels is now regarded as small compared with the risk due to other flood failure mechanisms, such a piping (underseepage erosion) that can undermine levees.

Besides the Dutch government will also introduce a three level approach on flood risk reduction. Preparedness with strong dikes will remain the most important element, but additionally water-robust spatial planning and evacuation schemes can lower the death toll in case of levee failures.

Second Delta plan
Minister Schultz: "Today we begin a new chapter in our centuries-old relationship with water. Almost 60 years ago, the first Delta Plan resulted in the construction of the Delta Works which have since provided decades of protection. Today we have a new Delta Plan for the decades ahead. Many more people now live in low-lying areas. Our economic activities there have grown significantly. And, due to climate change, the sea level is rising and our rivers have more water. It is therefore time for a new Delta Plan that provides for additional protection."

Concrete measures
Mr Kuijken: "I am proud that over the past years, as Delta Commissioner, I was able to prepare and flesh out these decisions and strategies, and make a well-substantiated proposal for decisions with structuring effects on behalf of the authorities involved and many civil society organisations. I am pleased by the Cabinet's positive reaction. The Delta Act of 2012 has been an enormous help. In the years ahead, will do my utmost to make progress on these decisions and convert them into concrete measures. This means that we will have to continue to work hard for more than 30 years, and spend some 20 billion euros from the Delta Fund."

Source: Dutch Water Sector

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