{"id":21573,"date":"2019-11-22T12:01:18","date_gmt":"2019-11-22T11:01:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kwrwater.nl\/?p=21573"},"modified":"2020-03-20T08:51:55","modified_gmt":"2020-03-20T07:51:55","slug":"coastar-knowledge-programme-researches-implementability-four-practical-cases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kwrwater.nl\/en\/actueel\/coastar-knowledge-programme-researches-implementability-four-practical-cases\/","title":{"rendered":"COASTAR knowledge programme researches implementability in four practical cases"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The COASTAR 2019-2020 knowledge programme makes it clear: the subsurface can, as a supplement to surface options, offer an important source and storage space for a sustainable provision of freshwater. And this can be done by simultaneously tackling freshwater shortages, pluvial flooding and salinisation. Water users, water managers, drinking water producers, businesses, government and research institutes are pooling their strengths in the programme, so that sufficient freshwater will also be available in 20 years, at all times, for all users, and for all purposes. COASTAR represents another way of thinking and acting with regard to freshwater supply and water management, in line with the possibilities presented by the surrounding environment as well as the subsurface. The objective, following positive programme results and decision-making, is to launch four field trials in 2021.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

In the densely populated Dutch delta, water is the source of daily contradictions. There is too much, or too little of it. More than 3.5 million people live and work in the Province of South Holland alone, and their number is growing. Residents and businesses want to keep their feet dry, and also expect to have access, always and everywhere, to sufficient freshwater. How can we, for example, in instances of winter pluvial flooding, prevent the waste of valuable freshwater through its discharge to the sea, while this same water is in fact badly needed in the summer to flush the polders? And how do we prevent the salinisation of groundwater and surface water, while this old brackish groundwater could actually be a good source of water.<\/p>\n

Solutions in the subsurface<\/h2>\n

The new COASTAR knowledge programme focuses on large-scale freshwater supply through the smart use of the subsurface. By storing water in the subsurface, one can even out the discrepancies between supply and demand; both in terms of time, but also of location, in cases where there might be too much or too little water available. At the same time, COASTAR addresses the increasing salinisation by producing freshwater from brackish groundwater. Working with partners in South Holland, the programme is developing solution ideas towards pilots and applications in practice. Concern and respect for the subsurface and the environment are a constant in these efforts.<\/p>\n

Field trials<\/h2>\n

COASTAR is working towards field trials to be run at four sites in South Holland in 2021. In the knowledge programme, conducted by the Deltares and KWR research institutes and Arcadis consultancy, the COASTAR measures will be further elaborated in collaboration with businesses and governments in the province.<\/p>\n

Cases<\/h2>\n

COASTAR aims to contribute to subsurface solutions for a robust freshwater provision with the following cases:<\/p>\n