ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: In the Netherlands the loss of wetlands has led to a water management policy that intends to stabilize or decrease the use of rural groundwater. As a consequence, future increase in demand for water must be met from urban groundwater or available surface water resources. Cities commonly face the opposite problem with high groundwater levels leading to problems such as flooded gardens, cellars and basements. This not only causes an inconvenience to residents but represents a threat to public health. Remedial measures are expensive, and require installation of drainage systems that place a heavy additional load on sewers and wastewater treatment plants. Refurbishment of sewers further aggravates the groundwater problems. Current remedial measures appear to be inefficient for both environment and society.
