In a river delta with plenty of salt water, fresh water is scarce. The growing need for fresh water, combined with the reduction of the available fresh water due to climate change, therefore calls for measures to be implemented. Several small-scale pilot projects have already shown that it is possible to store the precipitation surplus in autumn and winter. As a result, there is sufficient fresh water available during periods of drought, for example for greenhouse horticulture.
Through COASTAR, researchers want a large-scale deployment of the underground for storage and supply of fresh water. The focus area is the region of The Hague-Westland-Rotterdam, which can serve as an example for other regions in the Netherlands and coastal areas worldwide. The research also looks whether salt groundwater can be strategically captured and converted to fresh water to prevent further salinization.
The research will be carried out on behalf of the province of South Holland and supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. In addition to KWR, Deltares and Arcadis, the Delfland Water Authority, the municipality of Westland, Dunea, Evides, LTO Glaskracht and the Allied Waters foundation are involved.