ABSTRACT
Based on experience in other parts of the country and on indices measuring terrain occupancy and capacity, the expectation was that optimization of the existing open recharge system in the Oostduinen would benefit both nature and water production. Since the end of 1996, this optimization has been tested in part of the recharge system. Monitoring the ecological impacts and investigating the increase of capacity have also begun.
The redevelopment has resulted in a more diverse and rolling landscape in the dunes. Another result is that valuable plant species, typical of new dune slack, are returning very rapidly. It also leads to a 70% increase in water production. Translating these findings to the rest of the system leads to the conclusion that overall growth of water production by 40% is certainly feasible, even without an increase in occupied terrain. DELTA Waterworks (DELTA) plans to introduce ecologically engineered optimization (upgreening) and to expand the production of drinking water by means of open recharge in the Oostduinen.
