Water is a basic necessity of life. We have seen the consequences of lack of water for quite some time in Africa, Australia, other continents and now drought in Southern European countries. The situation is developing rapidly northward so that since 2018 the Netherlands has been regularly experiencing a shortage of precipitation in the growing seasons, higher temperatures, more evaporation, and as a result drought and water scarcity.
We are all used to unlimited clean drinking water from the tap. If our current water consumption continues, within the next five to 10 years that will no longer be a given. Already during heat waves there are problems with the drinking water supply and households are asked to limit drinking water consumption. Also, business customers no longer receive a connection to the drinking water network as standard.
One possible consequence: Water will only be available to a limited extent! And groundwater will be extracted (illegally) on a larger scale, further exacerbating drought problems. Therefore, doing nothing is not an option!
How are we going to ensure that sufficient clean drinking water will continue to be available for everyone in the Netherlands in the future? What can we do now to be resilient and have sufficient drinking water available in 2030 and beyond?
The municipality of Enschede has a climate adaptation plan for 2050 (in Dutch). What is the role of the various stakeholders and water users to implement this and similar adaptation plans in other cities in regions in the coming years?
Like many adaptation plans, it includes various measures to strengthen resilience to both flooding and heat stress, but certain solutions require additional water in times of drought. How can we develop measures that protect against the impacts of both flooding, heat stress and drought?
PROCESs description
Start & end time | Phase |
|---|---|
10.45 – 11.00 | Introduction |
11.00 - 11.45 | Phase 1: Defining Challenge |
11.45 – 12.45 | Phase 2: Solutions Directions |
Lunchpauze | Lunch and networking or walk around the campus |
13.45 – 14.15 | Phase 3: Select solutions |
14.15 – 15.15 | Poster development |
15.15 – 15.45 | Presentation |
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