Polder along Amstel to keep Amsterdam dry during extreme weather

A new emergency water inlet has been completed along the Amstel river to protect Amsterdam and surrounding areas from potential flooding. By allowing up to 2.4 billion liters of water to flow into the De Ronde Hoep polder, the system serves as a last resort to prevent water damage for approximately 1.4 million residents. Board member Arjan van Rijn emphasized that this facility is intended only for extreme, once-in-a-century scenarios where traditional water management measures fail.

To address concerns from local residents and farmers whose land might be affected, the Amstel, Gooi en Vecht water board has established a comprehensive compensation scheme. This policy covers property damage and lost agricultural income, such as milk production, in the event the polder is flooded. The project was commissioned by the province of Noord-Holland, and the area will only be utilized if a rare combination of extreme weather conditions and rising water levels makes it necessary to safeguard the region.