Monitoring
For 40 years, Rijkswaterstaat has been responsible for monitoring the quantity and quality of the water. This is a vital service for shipping, agriculture, the distribution of water in dry periods, flood protection and drinking water supply.
Quantity of the water
Rijkswaterstaat monitors the quantity of water at more than 450 locations along the coast and in rivers, canals and lakes. The water level, water discharge rates, wave height and flow speed are monitored using automatic measuring equipment. This data helps Rijkswaterstaat determine the measures to be taken in the event of an excess or shortfall of water.
The information from the measurements helps us to maintain the minimum safe depth for shipping
Quality of the water
Rijkswaterstaat continuously monitors the biological and chemical quality of the water at more than 170 locations. Where the Rhine enters the Netherlands from Germany, we measure for pollutants. At the border with Belgium, the Eijsden measurement station monitors pollution levels in the Meuse. If pollution is observed, Rijkswaterstaat immediately informs the water boards, drinking water companies and sister organisations in Belgium and Germany.
The measuring stations in Lobith and Eijsden fulfil an important function. The system used at these locations is known as Aqualarm.