Artificial recharge of groundwater in The Netherlands

2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.W.M. Tielemans
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Artificial Recharge ◽  
Considerable Effort ◽  
Populated Area ◽  
Fresh Groundwater ◽  
Final Treatment ◽  
Unique Nature ◽  
Reduction Of Emissions ◽  
Water Companies

After a short general overview of the Dutch drinking water industry, the artificial recharge projects run by three drinking water companies situated in the West of The Netherlands are described in some detail. Because all the other groundwater in this part of the country is brackish, fresh groundwater from the sandy dunes along the coast has been employed as a source for drinking water from 1854. Since over 50 years, the fresh water reserves in the dunes are recharged with pretreated water from the rivers Meuse and Rhine and from the lake IJsselmeer. The various pretreatment steps, infiltration and abstraction practices and the final treatment steps employed are described, and related water quality issues are discussed. The drinking water produced is of high quality, is biologically stable and is distributed without additional disinfection. The drinking water companies put considerable effort in the protection of their water sources through (international) lobby organizations such as RIWA and IAWR, by cooperating with the water authorities and by carrying out specific projects aimed at reduction of emissions to the surface water. The presence of the drinking water companies has prevented residential development in the dunes, thus preserving unique nature in the most densely populated area in the country. Nature conservation and recreational aspect of the artificial recharge projects are described briefly.

How Dutch drinking water production is affected by the use of herbicides on pavements

2004 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 173-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.D. Bannink
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Emission Reduction ◽  
Water Production ◽  
Limited Effect ◽  
Surface Water Pollution ◽  
Drinking Water Production ◽  
Reduction Of Emissions ◽  
Water Companies

About forty per cent of drinking water in The Netherlands is produced from surface water. Dutch water companies, that have to rely on this source, are dealing with major water quality problems due to the use of herbicides on pavements. Voluntary measures and bans have had only limited effect on the reduction of emissions of herbicides that runoff from pavements into surface water in The Netherlands. The effects on the production of drinking water from surface water should play a role in the authorisation of pesticides. Stricter regulations, including mandatory emission reduction measures and certification, are necessary. The enforcement of existing Dutch surface water pollution laws should solve part of the problem. Due to the international nature of most of the surface water used for drinking water supply, it is necessary that other countries take measures as well. European legislation brings a solution closer if implemented well and seriously enforced. The threat of strict legislation keeps pressure on the transition towards decreasing the dependence on chemicals for weed control on pavements.

scholarly journals The Dutch secret: safe drinking water without chlorine in the Netherlands

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. W. M. H. Smeets ◽  
G. J. Medema ◽  
J. C. van Dijk
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Drinking Water Treatment ◽  
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment ◽  
Safe Drinking Water ◽  
Microbial Risk Assessment ◽  
Production And Distribution ◽  
Water Companies

Abstract. The Netherlands is one of the few countries where chlorine is not used at all, neither for primary disinfection nor to maintain a residual disinfectant in the distribution network. The Dutch approach that allows production and distribution of drinking water without the use of chlorine while not compromising microbial safety at the tap, can be summarized as follows: Use the best source available, in order of preference: – microbiologically safe groundwater, – surface water with soil passage such as artificial recharge or bank filtration, – direct treatment of surface water in a multiple barrier treatment; Use a preferred physical process treatment such as sedimentation, filtration and UV-disinfection. If absolutely necessary, also oxidation by means of ozone or peroxide can be used, but chlorine is avoided; Prevent ingress of contamination during distribution; Prevent microbial growth in the distribution system by production and distribution of biologically stable (biostable) water and the use of biostable materials; Monitor for timely detection of any failure of the system to prevent significant health consequences. New developments in safe drinking water in the Netherlands include the adaptation of the Dutch drinking water decree, implementation of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) by water companies and research into source water quality, drinking water treatment efficacy, safe distribution and biostability of drinking water during distribution and \\textit{Legionella}. This paper summarizes how the Dutch water companies warrant the safety of the drinking water without chlorine.

Pesticides in groundwater and drinking water wells: overview of the situation in the Netherlands

2008 ◽  
Vol 57 (8) ◽  
pp. 1277-1286 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. N. M. Schipper ◽  
M. J. M. Vissers ◽  
A. M. A van der Linden
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Shallow Groundwater ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Fresh Groundwater ◽  
Water Abstraction ◽  
Pesticides Residues ◽  
Monitoring Wells ◽  
Water Wells

In the Netherlands, many of the fresh groundwater resources are vulnerable to pollution. Owing to high population densities and intensive farming practices, pesticide residues are found in groundwater at many places. Hence a number of drinking water abstraction wells contain pesticides residues, causing considerable costs for purification. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires countries to assess the chemical status of groundwater bodies and set up monitoring plans for groundwater quality, including pesticides. 771 groundwater samples were taken from monitoring wells in 2006 and analysed for a broad list of pesticides in order to fulfil these requirements. Pesticide were detected in 27% of samples, while in 11% the WFD limit of 0.1 μg/l was exceeded. In this paper, these and earlier measurements are evaluated further, considering also measurements in drinking water wells, information about the origin of measured pesticides and calculated trends in use and emissions. The measurements in the monitoring wells showed that where pesticides are used, 15–55% (minimal and maximal estimation) of the wells in shallow groundwater (1 to 20m below soil surface) contain pesticides residues at concentrations above 0.1 μg/l. When the metabolites BAM and AMPA are excluded (as not relevant in human toxicological terms), the estimation range is 7–37%. These patterns observed in shallow groundwater are reflected by the occurrence of pesticides in vulnerable abstraction wells that are used for the production of drinking water. The WFD requires the determination of both status and trends. The design of current monitoring network is evaluated from this perspective. Several recommendations are made for more adequate and efficient monitoring.

scholarly journals Trust in Drinking Water Quality: Understanding the Role of Risk Perception and Transparency

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2608
Author(s):  
Stijn Brouwer ◽  
Roberta Hofman-Caris ◽  
Nicolien van Aalderen
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Segmentation Approach ◽  
Water Companies ◽  
Tap Water Quality ◽  
Treatment Procedures ◽  
Customer Trust

In the context of an increasing societal demand for transparency in parallel with rapidly increasing numbers and concentrations of substances found in drinking water, this paper investigates how different drinking water customers perceive their tap water quality, and possible risks involved. Empirically, the paper draws on results from a representative survey, a series of interviews and focus groups conducted in the Netherlands, applying both a traditional and modern segmentation approach based on four types of perspectives (“aware and committed”, “down to earth and confident”, “egalitarian and solidary”, and “quality and health concerned”). Although in general it was found that people’s trust in tap water is high, certain groups are more concerned about water quality and health effects than others. It was shown that transparency and the availability of more information about water treatment and quality would contribute to increasing customer trust. It was also observed that, at least in the Netherlands, people have a larger trust in drinking water companies than in other institutions. Therefore, instead of referring to standards made by other institutions, it is recommended that water companies themselves provide information on water quality and emphasize their treatment procedures.

scholarly journals The Dutch secret: how to provide safe drinking water without chlorine in the Netherlands

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. W. M. H. Smeets ◽  
G. J. Medema ◽  
J. C. van Dijk
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Distribution System ◽  
Drinking Water Treatment ◽  
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment ◽  
Safe Drinking Water ◽  
Microbial Risk Assessment ◽  
Production And Distribution ◽  
Water Companies

Abstract. The Netherlands is one of the few countries where chlorine is not used at all, neither for primary disinfection nor to maintain a residual disinfectant in the distribution network. The Dutch approach that allows production and distribution of drinking water without the use of chlorine while not compromising microbial safety at the tap, can be summarized as follows: 1. Use the best source available, in order of preference:     – microbiologically safe groundwater,     – surface water with soil passage such as artificial recharge or bank filtration,     – direct treatment of surface water in a multiple barrier treatment; 2. Use a preferred physical process treatment such as sedimentation, filtration and UV-disinfection. If absolutely necessary, also oxidation by means of ozone or peroxide can be used, but chlorine is avoided; 3. Prevent ingress of contamination during distribution; 4. Prevent microbial growth in the distribution system by production and distribution of biologically stable (biostable) water and the use of biostable materials; 5. Monitor for timely detection of any failure of the system to prevent significant health consequences. New developments in safe drinking water in the Netherlands include the adaptation of the Dutch drinking water decree, implementation of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) by water companies and research into source water quality, drinking water treatment efficacy, safe distribution and biostability of drinking water during distribution and Legionella. This paper summarizes how the Dutch water companies warrant the safety of the drinking water without chlorine.

scholarly journals Rainwater harvesting: quality assessment and utilization in The Netherlands

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. M. Schets ◽  
R. Italiaander ◽  
H. H. J. L. van den Berg ◽  
A. M. de Roda Husman
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Rainwater Harvesting ◽  
Human Health Risk ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Water Legislation ◽  
Water Companies

The use of roof-collected rainwater as a freely available and sustainable alternative to drinking water produced by drinking water companies increases worldwide. Initially, rainwater is free of microbial contamination, but it may become contaminated by animals and humans or, alternatively, human pathogens may grow in stored rainwater resulting in a significant human health risk from infectious diseases. This three-year study demonstrated that rainwater stored in different reservoirs in The Netherlands was frequently faecally contaminated and incidentally contained potential human pathogens such as Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Aeromonas hydrophila and Legionella. Analysis of samples during a period with variable weather conditions showed a correlation between rainfall intensity and faecal indicator counts and increased detection of pathogens after heavy rainfall incidents. Outside temperature had a limited effect on both the temperature and the microbiological quality of the water in the reservoirs, which did not comply with Dutch drinking water legislation and should thus not be consumed without treatment. In general, a health risk may arise from exposure to pathogens when contaminated droplets are inhaled, ingested or come into contact with the skin. Health risks may be reduced by regular cleaning of the collection, storage and transport means, but to assess their efficacy field intervention studies are required.

Copper corrosion control in the Netherlands

2001 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 75-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.G.G. Slaats ◽  
H. Brink ◽  
T.J.J. van der Hoven
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Treatment Techniques ◽  
Copper Pipe ◽  
Copper Release ◽  
Average Intake ◽  
Split Treatment ◽  
New Treatment ◽  
Monitoring Protocols ◽  
Copper Solubility

Copper is the most commonly used material for pipes in domestic installations in the Netherlands. Depending on the composition of the water the copper pipes can add a significant amount of copper to drinking water. In the new European Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC) the parametric value for copper in drinking water is decreased from 3 to 2 mg/l. The new directive also stipulates that copper levels should be determined on the basis of a sample ‘taken at the consumers' tap’ representative of the weekly average intake by humans. Harmonisation of monitoring protocols for copper in the European member states is necessary. In the Netherlands about 45% of the drinking water is already softened or de-acidified in order to decrease copper concentrations in drinking water. In the Netherlands two new treatment techniques have been studied for their impact on copper release; these are Reverse Osmosis (RO) and the addition of inhibitors. Copper pipe rig tests have shown that RO treatment decreases copper release. Split treatment of water with RO reduces copper solubility of drinking water through a decrease in both total inorganic carbon (TIC) and sulphate level. Remarkable was the relatively small decrease in copper release after split treatment with RO, compared to previous experiences in the Netherlands, suggesting an effect of natural organic matter. A new promising technique in the Netherlands is the addition of the inhibitor carbonate-activated silicate. At the test sites, the reduction in copper solubility due to the use of carbonate-activated silicate was 15 to 35%.

Storage reservoirs – a first barrier for pathogenic micro-organisms in the Netherlands

1998 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lambert W. C. A. van Breemen ◽  
Henk A. M. Ketelaars ◽  
Wim Hoogenboezem ◽  
Gertjan Medema
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Agricultural Waste ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
River Rhine ◽  
Total Production ◽  
River Meuse ◽  
Storage Reservoirs ◽  
Microbiological Water Quality ◽  
Micro Organisms

Production of drinking water from river water, abstracted either directly from river or from storage reservoirs, requires the application of barriers for pathogenic micro-organisms. About one third of the total production of drinking water in the Netherlands is derived from surface water, mainly the River Meuse and branches of the River Rhine. The results of extensive monitoring programmes show that the microbiological water quality of the River Rhine and River Meuse is strongly influenced by domestic and agricultural waste water discharges, with respect to the River Meuse mainly in the Liège-region in Belgium. Densities of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in both rivers are comparable; the highest density was found in the Belgian Meuse basin. Elimination rates of 1.7- to 3.1 10log-units for pathogenic micro-organisms were found in Dutch storage reservoirs, which can thus be considered as an important first barrier for pathogenic microorganisms. The elimination capacity of reservoirs is influenced by retention time and contamination by waterfowl. To meet the proposed quality criteria for pathogens in drinking water, however, additional barriers are required.

scholarly journals Groundwater salinity variation in Upazila Assasuni (southwestern Bangladesh), as steered by surface clay layer thickness, relative elevation and present-day land use

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 1431-1451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Floris Loys Naus ◽  
Paul Schot ◽  
Koos Groen ◽  
Kazi Matin Ahmed ◽  
Jasper Griffioen
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
Shallow Depth ◽  
Hydrological Processes ◽  
Groundwater Salinity ◽  
Clay Layer ◽  
Fresh Groundwater ◽  
Salinity Variation ◽  
Clay Layers

Abstract. In the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh, options for drinking water are limited by groundwater salinity. To protect and improve the drinking water supply, the large variation in groundwater salinity needs to be better understood. This study identifies the palaeo and present-day hydrological processes and their geographical or geological controls that determine variation in groundwater salinity in Upazila Assasuni in southwestern Bangladesh. Our approach involved three steps: a geological reconstruction, based on the literature; fieldwork to collect high-density hydrological and lithological data; and data processing to link the collected data to the geological reconstruction in order to infer the evolution of the groundwater salinity in the study area. Groundwater freshening and salinization patterns were deduced using PHREEQC cation exchange simulations and isotope data were used to derive relevant hydrological processes and water sources. We found that the factor steering the relative importance of palaeo and present-day hydrogeological conditions was the thickness of the Holocene surface clay layer. The groundwater in aquifers under thick surface clay layers is controlled by the palaeohydrological conditions prevailing when the aquifers were buried. The groundwater in aquifers under thin surface clay layers is affected by present-day processes, which vary depending on present-day surface elevation. Slightly higher-lying areas are recharged by rain and rainfed ponds and therefore have fresh groundwater at shallow depth. In contrast, the lower-lying areas with a thin surface clay layer have brackish–saline groundwater at shallow depth because of flooding by marine-influenced water, subsequent infiltration and salinization. Recently, aquaculture ponds in areas with a thin surface clay layer have increased the salinity in the underlying shallow aquifers. We hypothesize that to understand and predict shallow groundwater salinity variation in southwestern Bangladesh, the relative elevation and land use can be used as a first estimate in areas with a thin surface clay layer, while knowledge of palaeohydrogeological conditions is needed in areas with a thick surface clay layer.

scholarly journals The Effect of Artificial Recharge on Hydrochemistry: A Comparison of Two Fluvial Gravel Pit Lakes with Different Post-Excavation Uses in The Netherlands

Water ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Mollema ◽  
Marco Antonellini ◽  
Alwin Hubeek ◽  
Peter Van Diepenbeek
Keyword(s):  
The Netherlands ◽  
Artificial Recharge ◽  
Gravel Pit ◽  
Pit Lakes
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