Gouda’s secret underwater world
Flooding and water quality are major issues for the old inner cities in the Netherlands. Municipalities are looking for solutions. In Gouda, the Hollandse Waterstad project is exploring whether reinstating the historic water system could constitute part of such a solution. Could this be the sponge that absorbs the excess water in the city centre?
Results
The study revealed that opening up the canals in the city centre would not immediately expand the water storage capacity. However, it turned out that restoration of the minor waterways would improve the flow and thus the quality of the water. Which is also important, because the water quality is also at stake if cities heat up. The experiment – involving residents and associations – provided insight into the manner of communication on interventions in the historical surroundings. Residents felt they were living amidst something unique, and are proud of the project. This sense of pride also fostered the collaboration between professional parties within the project.
Contact person
Marjo van Loon
Municipality of Gouda
marjo.vanloon@gouda.nl