Whilst specifically tailored to the Dutch context, these approaches are transferable and applicable to other regions as well. In the paper published in the Netherlands Journal of Geosciences, we discuss the pros and cons of the concepts, and some of the legal and operational challenges to their implementation. Combining empirical observations, expert knowledge and model estimates, we aim to show the advantages and importance of the solution concepts for flexibility in water supply.

The Growing Water Crisis

Water scarcity is no longer a distant threat—it’s a reality. Globally, nearly 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, a number expected to continuously rise. In the Netherlands, where over 60% of drinking water comes from groundwater, increasing contamination risks, climate change, and competing land use threaten water availability. Despite strict regulations, current extraction sites are often rigid and unable to adapt to changing demands. Without proper actions, pressure on groundwater will only intensify, endangering both drinking water security and water-dependent ecosystems.

Our Approach: (Flexible) Smart Water Extraction Strategies

During our research we combined expert knowledge, field data, and advanced modeling to develop a set of flexible solution concepts tailored to the Dutch water system. We identified and analyzed nine key extraction archetypes based on land use, extraction depth, and vulnerability to contamination. From there, we assessed innovative strategies to enhance drinking water resilience leading to four key solutions.

Four Key Solutions for Sustainable Water Supply

1. The Water Battery – Large-scale Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) allows water to be stored underground in wet periods and used when needed, ensuring a stable supply year-round. The “Epe Water Battery” is a successful pilot-study that prevents groundwater depletion while balancing seasonal fluctuations.
2. Fresh/Salt Extraction Management – Coastal areas face increasing salinization, threatening freshwater sources. By strategically managing brackish water extraction and infiltration, once could slow down saltwater intrusion and make use of previously untapped water sources.
3. Switching Between Extractions – By alternating between different extraction sites — across locations and between shallow and deep aquifers — we can reduce environmental impact and respond dynamically to changing water availability.
4. The Resource City Concept – Urban areas can integrate water storage, rainwater harvesting, and circular water use into their infrastructure, reducing dependency on centralized groundwater extraction while improving urban resilience.
   

The Need for Flexibility

Traditional water extraction systems are designed for stability, not adaptability. However, fluctuating rainfall, rising sea levels, and growing urban populations require more flexible approaches. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to over-extraction, and rigid infrastructure makes it difficult to shift water sources when contamination or droughts strike. That’s why we need to rethink how and where we extract drinking water.

Integrating strategies

Our modeling and case studies show that integrating these strategies can significantly enhance water security and reduce impact on (ground)water-dependent systems. For example, the Veluwe Water Battery case study shows its potential to restore groundwater levels and increase stream flow, benefiting both drinking water production and nature conservation. The Fresh/Salt approach has been successfully piloted in the Netherlands, showing how targeted brackish water extraction can help in maintaining freshwater reserves.

Safe drinking water should be accessible to everyone, anytime—no matter what the future holds. This project has proven that by working together, we can turn flexible solutions into reality in the Netherlands. And thus, provide sufficient, safe drinking water while safeguarding valuable (ground)water resources and a resilient water system.

Tom Hoogland, specialist hydrogeology Vitens N.V.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

The Netherlands has a strong tradition of water management, but the future demands new approaches. By adopting flexible extraction strategies, we can ensure long-term sustainability, protect ecosystems, and maintain reliable drinking water supplies. The time to act is now!

Collaboration

Deltares played a key role in analyzing data, running groundwater models, and developing practical, scalable solutions. However this research was conducted alongside Vitens NV, Wageningen University & Research, Royal HaskoningDHV, and other water sector stakeholders and partners ensuring that these concepts are not just theoretical but applicable to real-world water management challenges.

Want to learn more? Read the full research or reach out to discuss how we could together change the future.