Water as planning principle

The challenge

The development of new residential areas or infrastructure does not always fit in well with the needs of the water system. In fact, such developments often contradict these needs. Paving and asphalting, for instance, that result in increased water discharge or the creation of groundwater problems. Although we are technically capable of making changes to the water system, we are no longer content to upset the water system as much as previously because of climate change and the sustainability principle. Many problems can be prevented by taking greater account of water when choosing a location and the design: water as a planned principle. But there must then be tools to ensure that knowledge about the water system is available at the right moment, and that can it be communicated effectively to planners and managers. This project focuses on building up the knowledge, and the tools for presenting and using the information when developing (preferred) alternatives.

The interest

National government and water managers continue to demand greater involvement of water interests during planning. This is apparent from the advice given by the Water Management Committee 21st century, National Water Management Agreement, the Water Test, and all regional and local water plans. In addition, the social discussion around plans to build in deep polders and other hydrologically-unfavourable sites indicates social involvement in this theme. Internationally, the theme of protection against flooding and adaptation to climate change also plays an important role. Managers and planners must therefore act on this theme, but the water sector must be able to present and communicate its arguments.

Products of knowledge

Recommendations for durable roads in flood areas Best practices for constructing durable roads in vulnerable flood areas What is it? Recommendations for planning (including environmental impact) and the design of durable roads in the flood area of the Mekong delta. The most important factors and  best practices for constructing durable roads are charted and described. What can we use this for? The recommendations help road planners and designers in flood areas to improve construction alongside nature so that less damage occurs to roads as well as to the flood area, which are often extremely valuable for the local population. The recommendations focus on (1) the planning process, (2) environmental impact reports, and (3) technical design. Who will be interested? Organisations involved in planning and designing roads in the downstream Mekong countries (particularly Cambodia and Vietnam). This study was commissioned by the Mekong River Commission (MRC). Also, those active in other vulnerable delta areas involved with accessibility to that area, including development banks that often finance infrastructure projects. More information wim.douven@unesco-ihe.org

Balancing framework for polder redevelopment of greenhouse horticulture Optimal strategy for water chain connection What is it? A scenario study for promising redevelopment of (greenhouse) horticultural area. What can we use this for? We can now design and balance various building blocks for redevelopment, with the aim of developing an optimal strategy for the water chain connection. The following aspects are included in this: • Subdivision • Emergency water storage • Design for storage of rain water/•water for greenhouse horticulture • Design for possible use of parking places for water storage • Possible changes to commercial greenhouse operations in relation to water use and discharge. Who will be interested? Water boards, market gardeners, municipalities, provinces. More information hans.gehrels@deltares.nl