This project developed a new method to provide access to fresh water in an area deprived of external freshwater supply. The water from the drainage tubes is of good quality, which means that it can be used as an alternative source of fresh water. The water can be harvested and stored in a basin. The project furthermore demonstrated that it is possible to return the water to the plot effectively through the drainage tubes. The use of a Drainage Infiltration (DI) system and the plot’s own water thus creates a circular system.
An important objective of the test was to increase and share knowledge on freshwater storage at company level and on expected freshwater shortages. To achieve this objective, several farmer meetings were held and a website was developed: zoetwaterberging.nl. This site gives growers insight into their options to install their own freshwater supply facility as well as a system for subirrigation on their land. With this innovative pilot project for self-sufficient freshwater storage, the province of North Holland contributes to possible solutions to expected future freshwater shortages.
