More drinking water from surface water

In 2002 is 1,243 million cubic metres of mains water were produced in the Netherlands, about 1 percent less than in 2001. Nearly 95 percent of this water – 1,172 million cubic metres – was pure enough to drink, the remainder, so-called semi-filtrate, was produced for industrial use.

Drinking water production, 1950-2002

Water production slightly down

Less ground water and more water from the rivers Meuse and Lek and from the IJsselmeer was used to produce all this water in 2002 than in 2001. In 2002 724 million cubic metres of ground water were pumped up, 17 million less than in 2001.

Surface water was used for 242 million cubic metres of water in 2002, 21 million cubic metres more than in 2001. In 2002 the amount of infiltration water fell to 189 million cubic metres, 13 million less than in 2001.

Drinking water production by source and province, 2002

Less ground water used in all provinces

The reduction of the use of ground water for the production of drinking water is visible in all provinces. The largest amounts of ground water were pumped up in North Brabant. (179 million cubic metres) and Gelderland (133 million cubic metres).

More surface water used in the west of the country

The provinces South Holland and North Holland make the most use of surface water for drinking water: 148 million and 70 million cubic metres respectively. These two provinces are responsible for the entire increase in the use of surface water for drinking water.

Leendert Pleijsier