Alternative water sources
Alternative water sources
As fresh water resources are reaching its limits, alternative water sources are important to reduce water stress and competition. How to best make use of alternative water sources, is a major focal point for the Dutch water sector, including using brackish water, reuse of wastewater, developing new desalinization techniques (e.g. in relation to energy production), exploiting fresh water bodies that are available underneath the sea.
Brackish groundwater for agriculture
As fresh water exploitation is reaching its limits, brackish groundwater is becoming a valuable resource, even for agricultural purposes. Brackish groundwater can be used for a large variety biosaline crops ranging from high value crops for human consumption like salicornia, fodder crops like beets and trees and bushes for landscaping and wood production.
Read more on the use of brackish groundwater for agricultural purposes on the website of Acacia Institute...
An example study: Innovative water management, combining water retention and water quality
A consortium of Dutch water partners is carrying out a research project on combining water retention and water purification. Through cultivation of reed fields, nutrients will be removed from eutrophic water, the soil acting as co-filter and nutrient accumulator. In addition, water will be retained, preventing flooding downstream. Groundwater levels will rise and river water purified. When the reed is harvested, reed biomass can be used as biofuel and fertilizer.
Read more on the website of the project's study site 'Het Lankheet' (mainly in Dutch).
Grey water as alternative water source
A general Dutch citizen uses some 135 liters of drinking water per day. For many of the uses, drinking water is not essential. In fact, we use more than 50% of expensive drinking water for unneeded purposes. Instead of using drinking water, it is possible to utilize rain water. In many cases, this is even better, as rain water comprises less calcium. This ‘grey’ water can be used or toilet flushing, washing machines and irrigating gardens.
Source: GEP
Brackish groundwater for agriculture
As fresh water exploitation is reaching its limits, brackish groundwater is becoming a valuable resource, even for agricultural purposes. Brackish groundwater can be used for a large variety biosaline crops ranging from high value crops for human consumption like salicornia, fodder crops like beets and trees and bushes for landscaping and wood production.
Read more on the use of brackish groundwater for agricultural purposes on the website of Acacia Institute...
An example study: Innovative water management, combining water retention and water quality
A consortium of Dutch water partners is carrying out a research project on combining water retention and water purification. Through cultivation of reed fields, nutrients will be removed from eutrophic water, the soil acting as co-filter and nutrient accumulator. In addition, water will be retained, preventing flooding downstream. Groundwater levels will rise and river water purified. When the reed is harvested, reed biomass can be used as biofuel and fertilizer.
Read more on the website of the project's study site 'Het Lankheet' (mainly in Dutch).
Grey water as alternative water source
A general Dutch citizen uses some 135 liters of drinking water per day. For many of the uses, drinking water is not essential. In fact, we use more than 50% of expensive drinking water for unneeded purposes. Instead of using drinking water, it is possible to utilize rain water. In many cases, this is even better, as rain water comprises less calcium. This ‘grey’ water can be used or toilet flushing, washing machines and irrigating gardens.
Source: GEP