DELTARES MAGAZINE NO. 2, SEPTEMBER 2014

DUTCH LESSONS­ FOR THE USA

NANOPARTICLES TACKLE SOIL POLLUTION­ TESTS FOR TSUNAMI­ BARRIER

THE JELLYFISH ARE COMING!

WATER SCARCITY:­ CREEPING PROBLEM­ HAS ENORMOUS IMPACT­ 2 DELTARES, SEPTEMBER 2014 3 6 ‘EACH OTHER'S ­LABORATORY’ DELTARES FRONT In Louisiana, Florida and California, Deltares experts are pitching in to IN BRIEF COVER combat the water. How can the Dutch At present, in 2014, approach help the Americans? DAM IN KOREA ­approximately 700 million An interview with Dale Morris. The Korea Institute of ­people in 43 countries are Construction Technology ­suffering from water scarcity. 9 (KICT) has decided to use the This is sometimes a passing DAM (Dike Analyse Module) problem but, increasingly, it WATER SCARCITY software package to assess is a fact of life. And it is only ­DOSSIER 6 dike strength. In South expected to get worse: as early Korea, there are four large as 2025, almost 2 billion people Population growth, economic growth rivers with many kilometres will be short of water. There and climate change are leading to water­ of dike. DAM was originally are more and more technical scarcity in more and more places around the globe. What can be done? ­developed by Deltares for the solutions available, but there Dutch water management is almost no awareness of agencies and it provides how urgent the need is. That 20 fast information about dike is because water scarcity is a strength which can also be creeping process that develops NATURE IN THE CITY used during emergencies. slowly over the course of many Nature-based engineering can make Following China and the decades. But waiting on the cities greener, keeping the streets United States, South Korea sidelines is no longer an option: dry and the water clean. The latest will be the third country outside the Netherlands water scarcity is just as much a ­developments in this field. 9 to adopt DAM. natural disaster as a tsunami, earthquake or a typhoon. The And also: GETTING TO WORK impact is enormous. If nothing is 3. Deltares in brief IN POLAND done, more and more crops will 6. Interview with Dale Morris There are problems with fail and the price of water will 9. Water scarcity dossier navigability on a number rise. Basic necessities like food 16. Infographic Green Port of sections of the Wisla, and water will be beyond the 18. How this minuscule particle can Poland's longest river. reach of large groups of people. clean up your soil In response, the Polish 20. Nature-based engineering in the city government has asked the Diseases and mortality will rise. STABILITY TESTING FOR on the rise Dutch consortium, which This means that water scarcity is 22. Testing ground: flow to pumping MISSISSIPPI DIKES includes Deltares, to look at one of the most urgent problems station optimised improving the navigability

now facing society. From page 9 23. Knowledge in operation: Tsunami Barrier THINKSTOCK PHOTO: of the Wisla. Particularly onwards. 24. The jellyfish are coming! in the vicinity of Warsaw, 26. Make more of the lake 20 eltares is testing a dike rience during the development of the vessels with large draughts 28. Deltares software ­section of 30 miles on the Dutch Statutory Assessment Instruments­ cannot use the river and 29. Deltares organisation Mississippi River, looking (WTI) with failure mechanisms. These so commercial shipping at the failure mechanisms instruments are used by the Dutch is no longer possible. The of piping and macro­ agencies that manage primary flood consortium will develop an stability. Both have a major impact on defences to assess the strength of the integrated approach for the CREDITS Twitter Editing desk: Text: Deltares and D http://twitter.com/deltares P.O. Box 177, 2600 MH Delft, Maters & Hermsen dike stability.­ The pilot project is being dikes using statutory standards. They are area between Warsaw and Delta Life is published by Deltares, an independent Linkedin The Netherlands Journalistiek ­executed with the US Army Corps of based on research looking at the loads Gdansk, emphasising flood institute for applied research in the field of water, http://www.linkedin.com/ tel. +31 (0)88 335 8273 Design and subsurface and infrastructure. Throughout the company/217430 carmen.boersma@ layout: ­Engineers, the agency that manages on the flood defences and the various protection, hydrology and world, we work on smart solutions, innovations Facebook deltares.nl Maters & Hermsen the dike. A similar pilot project is being ways dikes can fail. Deltares develops the spatial planning. and applications for people, environment and https://www.facebook. A subscription is free and can Vormgeving society. Our main focus is on deltas, coastal com/ be requested or cancelled by Print: prepared for the Huaihe River in China. assessment standards for the Ministry of regions and river basins. #!/pages/Deltares/ sending an e-mail to Koninklijke BDU Deltares acquired considerable expe­ ­Infrastructure and the Environment. 154189334634001 [email protected] Grafisch Bedrijf bv For more information: www.deltares.nl ISSN: 2351-972X 4 DELTARES, SEPTEMBER 2014 5

More messages on www.deltares.nl DELTARES KNOWLEDGE Deltares is a partner in New Meadowlands is, IN BRIEF two of the six winning like the Netherlands, a consortiums that low-lying area, and so PARTNER­ FOR will improve storm typically Dutch solutions IMPROVED defences in New York. can be used. The safety The ­consortiums will approach is based on MANAGEMENT­ NEW YORK FLOOD be responsible for the the latest Dutch insights, ‘New Meadowlands’ with the emphasis on FOR EUROPEAN PROTECTION project near Little ‘nature-based flood Ferry in New Jersey and defence’, using nature to WATERS ‘Living with the Bay’ in improve flood defences. Nassau County on Long ‘Living with the Bay' will European waters are under pressure. IMPROVED Island. The competition implement solutions for Quality goals are not being achieved and ‘Rebuild by Design’ the Nassau County area freshwater supplies are uncertain. How was organised by the on Long Island in New can improvements be made? To answer DROUGHT American government­ York. The upgrading after Hurricane Sandy in of the Nassau County this question, the European MARS project FORECASTING­ the autumn of 2012. coastal area will also (Managing Aquatic ecosystems and New Meadowlands focus on the use of ‘soft’ ­water Resources under multiple Stress) FOR AFRICA will create an area infrastructure. was launched recently. measuring 80 km² that The cause of the present predicament Together with nineteen African and European will protect the New York- is known: multiple stressors. Combina­ New Jersey metropolitan institutes, Deltares developed a new system tions of factors such as climate change, region from future floods. for predicting meteorological, hydrological drinking water extraction, extraction for and agricultural drought in Africa. The irrigation, contamination, and falls in the ­DEWFORA project (Drought Early Warning availability of fresh groundwater lead to and Forecasting) was launched in 2011, a decline in the status of groundwater, recently reaching completion. Deltares streams and rivers. ­coordinated the project. CLIMATE CHANGE Water managers are looking for Drought has a major impact in Africa and SCALE MODEL promising­ ways of tackling multiple­ expectations are that the drought problem will ­ AND INFRASTRUCTURE stressors. MARS was launched to worsen as a result of climate change. There What impact do new weather patterns such as extreme rainfall or extreme heat ­understand and predict the impact of are various drought forecasting systems in SEA SLUICE have on infrastructure? And, more importantly, will vital infrastructure remain stressors on the water system and the place in Africa but the warnings they produce intact? This is the focus of research in the European INTACT project (‘Impact of ecology. It will develop practical tools that are often too late and not always as accurate IJMUIDEN ­Extreme Weather on Critical Infrastructure’), which started recently. Extreme managers can use to restore stressed as they might be. In addition, they often don't ­weather can have a negative impact on the management and maintenance of surface waters and groundwater, and reach the intended users and therefore fail to roads, bridges and tunnels, and on user safety, and also cause economic damage support policy makers to draft and produce the required response, with all the when structures are shut down. Deltares is leading the sub-project with case studies ­implement water policies. harm that entails. The DEWFORA solutions looking at extreme snowfall (Finland), heat waves and drought (Spain), extreme MARS is being conducted for the will make it possible to predict drought more rainfall and landslides (Italy), and flooding and excess water (Ireland and the ­European Commission and it will take reliably and see it coming earlier. This will Deltares has been building a scale ­Netherlands). The Dutch case focuses on the harbour of Rotterdam and the links four years. Deltares will be working allow the people involved to take targeted model of the new sea sluice in IJmuiden with the hinterland by road, waterways, railways and pipelines. Weather and together with twenty-three other action faster. in recent months for Rijkswaterstaat. impact models are being used to study the effect of the weather on infrastructure. research institutes. Marin supplied the ship model. The scale model will be used to study the forces on the sluice and the effect of salt and fresh water. The scale model, COLOMBIA PREPARES FOR including the sluice chamber and the entrances, is approximately 56 metres CLIMATE CHANGE long in total and 20 metres wide. The new sea sluice in IJmuiden will be Colombia wants to prepare its water system properly for climate change in the future and it is working one of the largest in the world, with on a National Adaptation Plan. It describes the steps that need to be taken to ensure that the water chambers more than 500 metres long system can cope adequately with the consequences of climate change such as extreme rainfall. They that can accommodate ever-larger will be based on the ‘adaptation tipping point analysis’ developed by Deltares that determines when ocean-going vessels. It is expected to the climate will change to such an extent that policy or management practices require adjustments, go operational in 2019. changes or a radical overhaul. In this way, policymakers can make a sound appraisal of the urgency of investments for the long term. PHOTO: ANP PHOTO: 6 DELTARES, SEPTEMBER 2014 DELTARES, SEPTEMBER 2014 7

‘WE ARE EACH OTHER'S LABORATORY’

In Washington, the American economist DALE MORRIS is a strong advocate of the Dutch Water Management Network. In Louisiana,­ Florida and California, Deltares experts are pitching in to help ­combat the water. How can the Dutch approach help the Americans? ‘We are good at disasters; you are strong in the long term.’ BY PJOTR VAN LENTEREN

merica and the Netherlands are very really can't understand why President Obama is different. But there are striking local not ordering dikes to be built. But you forget that similarities, thinks Dale Morris, who you have already been forced to get to grips with has been working for so long with this problem for centuries. The Netherlands is a ‘those crazy Dutch people’ that he densely-populated country. You have a talent, not spoke Dutch for this interview. New just for building flood defences, but also for using York has massive urbanisation close to the water. space in multi-functional ways. There is plenty of AIn San Francisco, international companies like room in America. In recent decades, large numbers Google are thinking about surrounding their offices of people have moved into areas that are susceptible with dikes. Norfolk, home to the largest military to flooding near New York and in Louisiana. Getting port in the world, is threatened by sea-level rise. those people to move is a very sensitive political Miami is just above sea level, and it is located on issue but it is possible. So our thinking about these a porous, soft subsurface. And, of course, there is problems is different.’ New Orleans, with its history of hurricane damage, in the middle of the Mississippi delta. ‘Miami is just Have Katrina and Sandy in America like Amsterdam; New Orleans is the mirror image of made people think differently about Rotterdam. You don't have tropical storms, but the water management? main differences are social.’ ‘The attitude to water management in America is clearly changing. We tend not to think that far You sent a man to the moon. Why hasn't ahead, and to tackle problems when they crop America already gone into action to manage up. Here, there's a new climate challenge round the impact of sea-level rise? every corner: landslides, droughts, tornadoes, ‘I give a lot of presentations in the Netherlands ­hurricanes… We are great at disaster management.­ and that question comes up all the time. You It is only now that sea-level rise is becoming 8

more manifest that people are starting to call for overlap in some areas, while other things don't ­integrated, sustainable solutions.’ get done at all. The US Army Corps of Engineers is ­usually involved in this type of research but they That's when we call the Dutch. work in 49 states from their base in the Pentagon ‘We talk to English, Danish and Australian and things can take a very long time. You can DOSSIER ­organisations here, too. They are good at concentrate resources in an independent institute ­architecture, drought and sharing water. But what without somebody having too much control.’ Water scarcity you hear most here when there are problems with water is: bring in the Dutch! It is not for nothing And there is a new Water Campus. Is it that we have a Dutchman at the head of the just for Louisiana, or also for the rest of ­Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Taskforce. Nobody the world? knows as much about this as you.’ ‘Of course, the initial focus will be on Louisiana. But we hope to use everything we learn there in the Doesn't water management require rest of the world.’ ­government to adopt a completely different mindset? What is your advice for the planet? ‘In the Netherlands, the government can intervene­ ‘It is crucial to share and improve water-related in far-reaching ways when that is needed to knowledge throughout the world. The Dutch know prevent flooding. In America, you run up against a lot about long-term solutions and forecasting­ constitutional difficulties. Our constitution gives models; in Southern Asia they know a lot about the states much more freedom. So in rich states like extreme weather. Americans are good at efficient­ Texas, you can build impressive flood defences. But problem-solving. There is already a lot of resources are limited in poorer states like ­Louisiana. ­collaboration and that is generating major benefits. That means you have to convince taxpayers I would like to imagine going one step further: throughout America that they should contribute to a single, independent, scientific global institute. building a dike in Louisiana. That's a very sensitive The challenges facing us are big enough.’ issue here. So we are already doing a lot. But you can't just change the constitution.’

What can Dutch experts learn from America?­ ‘You enjoy complaining about the rain but you have a very moderate climate and you should be happy about that. By helping us, you can learn a lot about extreme weather and how that affects water management. Our experience with extreme weather means we know a lot about infrastructure maintenance after storms. The Netherlands is a More than 70 per cent of our planet is water; just 30 per cent laboratory for America, but we are increasingly is dry land. So there should be enough water for the globe's a laboratory for you.’ 7 billion inhabitants. But water is becoming scarce in more You have your own Water Institute now and more places. This is sometimes a passing problem but, as well, an independent research and increasingly, it is a fact of life. The reason is that population ­knowledge institute in Louisiana. Why do you think independence is so important? growth and economic growth are consuming more than nature ‘With that institute, following the Deltares example, can provide in some areas. Water scarcity will become Louisiana has taken a firm step down the right road. A lot of funding has been generated­ for a more pressing problem over the next fifty years, not just the restoration of the Louisiana coast. People­ as consumption continues to increase but also, and mainly, are determined­ to spend it in the right way. because of climate change, putting a brake on economic Government­ authorities are not always the best at

bringing in the very smartest knowledge resources Dale Morris: ‘In America, the attitude towards water management growth and pushing up prices. Large groups of people will and, in big countries like America, there can be is clearly changing.’ be unable to pay for basic necessities like food and water. 10 DOSSIER DELTARES, SEPTEMBER 2014 WATER SCARCITY Marc Bierkens (1965) is Professor of Hydrology at Utrecht University and a senior researcher with Deltares. His research focuses on areas that include the large-scale modelling of the hydrological cycle affected by climate change and direct human intervention. Using a planetary hydrological model and statistics, his group was the first to determine where, and how much more, groundwater is used worldwide for irrigation than is replenished by nature. WATER SCARCITY ‘ONE OF THE MOST ACUTE SOCIAL PROBLEMS billion OF OUR TIME’ In 2014, approximately 700 million people in 43 countries are suffering For more than ten years now, Marc Bierkens, a professor of hydrology at Utrecht University from water scarcity. If and a senior researcher with Deltares, has been studying water scarcity at the global level. no action is taken, that number will increase He sees cause for concern: there is a serious threat that water supplies will be depleted to 1.8 billion people permanently in more and more regions. Is a water crisis on the way? And what are the by 2025. implications for our food supplies? ‘It is a creeping process. And even though that means there is time to take action, political will is still needed.’ BY CARMEN BOERSMA Water scarcity has natural and human causes. Natural supplies ooking at freshwater supplies on the planetary scale, Middle East and the Midwest of the United States. In Europe, are spread unevenly there wouldn't seem to be a problem. In broad terms, Southeast Spain is extremely vulnerable. Climate change across the year and the there is enough water to meet the needs of the Earth's means that the situation here can only get worse over the planet. But a lot of water seven million inhabitants. But the difficulty becomes next fifty years. ‘ is wasted, polluted and Lclear when we zoom in on particular locations. Because water ‘Not only that: occasional shortages in a number of countries unsustainably managed (source: UNDESA). is subject to the same economic principle as other resources: will become permanent. In addition to Southeast Spain, when demand exceeds supply, shortages result. other Mediterranean areas such as Italy and the south of And this is already clear to see in various places. Human France will be faced with permanent water scarcity. But ­demand here exceeds natural supplies, leading to what is Eastern Europe will be affected as well. Countries like Romania known as water stress. This may be a temporary situation and Bulgaria have plans to grow crops for biofuels on a large because supplies are unevenly distributed across the year but, scale in areas where water supplies during the growing season increasingly, more water is being consumed than replenished. are already low.’ Water consumption has It is expected that water stress will become more acute in the increased twice as fast as coming decades. The growing population and the expansion What will be the main effects on society of the population over the of economic activity will push up water demand. And in areas ­increasing water scarcity? last century. Even though where water supplies are already tight, the impact of climate ‘The social impact is enormous. The most important effect there is more than change will make them even tighter. of all will be rising prices for water and food, with drastic enough water worldwide, an increasing number of consequences­ for the very poorest. They will be unable to regions are suffering from A water crisis would seem to be on the way. ­afford basic necessities such as food and drink. This means chronic water shortages Marc Bierkens: ‘A crisis is an urgent situation that arises that water scarcity is one of the main social problems of our (source: UNDESA). ­suddenly; at best, you see it coming at the last moment. time and so we are all responsible for finding solutions.’ ­Water scarcity is different. It is a creeping problem that ‘Less water also means that the remaining water gets warmer, develops slowly over many decades. With the water and an effect that is exacerbated by global warming and that has climate models we have available, we already know where negative implications for water quality. Bacteria that cause the problems are, both permanent and temporary. We have diseases flourish in warm water.’ Water scarcity affects also worked out how stocks of groundwater and surface ‘And when water is warm, it cannot be used as cooling water every continent, even water will develop over the next 50 to 100 years. We already for power stations. A study by Wageningen University has those that are not thought know where the situation is worsening, or where we can shown that power stations that take cooling water from rivers of as being dry, such as expect shortages.’ will see their capacity cut by between 10 and 15 per cent Europe. Almost 20 per cent of people in the from the summer of 2030 onwards. That doesn't sound like EU and 12 per cent of In which regions should people be concerned? much, but it can push up prices drastically.’ European rivers are now ‘The main areas where permanent water scarcity is already ‘If there is a shortage of surface water, more and more ground­ affected by water scarcity a problem are Northwest India, Northeast China, parts of the water will have to be pumped up. But groundwater extraction (source: EU). PHOTO: SAM RENTMEESTER PHOTO: 12 DOSSIER DELTARES, SEPTEMBER 2014 WATER SCARCITY

< 1700 m3 < 1000 m3 < 500 m3 WATER SCARCITY 'Water stress' means that there is We use the term 'water scarcity' 'Absolute water scarcity' is the point BIGGEST THREAT less than 1700 m3 of fresh water when that amounts drops below at which there is less than 500 m3 available per person annually. 1000 m3. of water per person. (source: UN) FACING on a large scale leads to land subsidence, which Are these options already BUSINESS makes flooding in coastal areas more of a threat. A being used? familiar example is Jakarta, where many residents ‘Not on the large scale needed. Not by a long way. are exposed to flood risks on a permanent basis.’ In many countries, particularly in the emerging economies, governments prioritise economic What options do we have to tackle growth as long as water shortages don't present the problem? an obstacle to prosperity. That shows that tackling ‘Desalination or supplies of fresh water from else­ water scarcity is not just a question of technological where are possibilities, but expensive ones. So there solutions. Political will is needed, too. As I pointed Companies that fail to take the threat of water shortages seriously is now a focus on smart technologies for retaining out earlier, water scarcity is a creeping process. will be badly affected: problems with production and disappointing water locally and using it during shortages. This The upside is that we have time to take action. is generally done in reservoirs on the surface, but The downside is that people fail to grasp the financial results lie in wait. Can anything be done? Certainly. There groundwater infiltration below the surface is also urgency of the problem, and postpone the are companies that do give a higher priority to the issue and that possible. More efficient irrigation methods such as search for solutions.’ have already taken specific action. drip or underground irrigation are also options. And BY DIMMIE HENDRIKS we might wish to consider solutions like growing For more information: crops that consume less water, such as maize. Or [email protected] modifying crops so they can cope with salt water.' ater scarcity is the main more water-efficient. This involves, for take the requirements of the local threat to the activities example, recycling water, optimising ­population into account here: we don't and financial health of treatment processes, raising employee want our consumption patterns to Groundwater footprint (GF) many multinationals, awareness and introducing bench­ cause shortages­ for them.’ aquifer area (AA) Wclaims the 2013 Global Water Report marks. That has cut water consumption <1 Groundwater (Carbon Disclosure­ Project). However, drastically in a number of sectors in Taking action in time 1-5 stress Triodos Bank found this year that most recent decades.’ ‘In some countries, water availability 5-10 ­companies are still doing very little to is already a challenge: Qatar is one 10-20 reduce their water consumption levels. Risks in the picture example, but there are also difficulties in >20 An earlier report from KPMG in 2012 Shell is one of the companies that has Canada and the Netherlands. Depending made this painfully obvious: only been looking at water scarcity actively on the production method and the local 1 per cent of multinationals report on for a number of years now. Frank Niele, conditions, we are developing solutions water consumption in production, a Shell policy consultant, explains why: that may involve recycling and re-using fewer than half have actual plans to ‘Shell makes enormous investments. water, or using more desalinated water save water, and only one in ten have Lead times for projects are often very or treated waste water from municipal a strategy for the future. long, sometimes decades. So we must sources. We are also introducing new have a clear picture of our risks in any production technologies to use water 7.9x Benchmarks given area. Water availability is one of more efficiently.' North China plain Are Dutch companies already aware of those risks. Even now, supplies of fresh ‘Here at Shell, we have been tack­ the problem? Roy Tummers, the director water are declining in some areas, while ling water­ scarcity actively for some 26.6x 9.0x 42.3x 19.7x 54.2x of VEMW (the knowledge centre and demand is on the increase. The models time now. It would be good for every Western High North Persian Upper lobby organisation for energy and water we have at the moment are inadequate ­company to be more water aware. You Mexico Plains Arabian Ganges consumers) believes that industry is when it comes to establishing a picture should know what your needs are, how ­increasingly anticipating the reduction­ quickly of water availability at the local much water is available, and how the The dark-blue areas have a groundwater footprint of less than 1; groundwater extraction is sustainable here in the in water supplies. ‘Because water level. That is why we are currently­ situation will develop. If there is the long term as well. The red areas in Northern America and Asia have a much larger groundwater footprint. The footprint availability in the future is expected to ­developing a new rapid screening ­possibility of a problem in the future, of the Upper Ganges, for example, is actually 54 times larger. The area would have be 54 times larger to capture the decline as a result of climate change ­method with Utrecht University and you can take steps in good time now.’ precipitation needed to sustain current groundwater extraction. and increasing production, companies Deltares. If we find that not enough Source: Gleeson, Wada, Bierkens and Van Beek, Nature, 2012. are taking steps to be more economical ­water will be available, we look at For more information: with water and to make their production ­possible solutions. And we always [email protected] 14 DOSSIER 15 WATER SCARCITY MULTIFUNCTIONAL WATER STORAGE Storing water above ground is a familiar Holland. Water management here focuses form of preparation for dry periods in many not only on storing water but also on natural The mismatch between countries. The inland shore concept is a new ­functions, fishing and recreation. A pilot freshwater supply and type of surface storage. An inland shore is an study will be launched soon in the Wieringer­ ­demand is steadily area that is linked to the main water system. meer polder, combining water storage with ­worsening. If no steps It combines water storage with economic ­agricultural engineering projects such as are taken, competition and ecological functions that can cope with floating horticulture and aquaculture. between the various ­users changes in water levels and also maintain water quality. will simply ­intensify. FORECASTING The first inland shore has been established in ­Fortunately, there are SYSTEMS SURVEY the Koopmanspolder in the province of North ways of tackling the OF WATER problem. Delta Life has Drought forecasting systems RESOURCES­ UNDER- drafted an overview of a can be used to predict GROUND number of solutions. From periods of water scarcity For effective water STORAGE information systems and or drought well in advance. management in underground storage to This allows water managers­ coastal areas, which The underground and users to respond in good are popular locations storage of fresh water 8 controlled drainage and WATER HUSBANDRY governance concepts. time. They can, for example,­ for drinking water is one way of main­ make adjustments to crop extraction and agri­ taining freshwater Bringing in fresh water from planning and reservoir culture, it is important supplies in deltas and ­elsewhere is one way of tackling ­management, or make WORLDWIDE to have a clear picture coastal areas. This CONTROLLABLE water shortages, but it is not preparations to allocate INFORMATION­ SYSTEM of the amounts and involves storing water DRAINAGE cheap. The concept of Water water differently and/ FOR WATER SCARCITY distribution of salt and underground during ­Husbandry was developed for or introduce water intake fresh groundwater. periods when there By adopting a different ­areas that want to be self-­ restrictions. It is important to have forecasts This makes it possible is excess water and ­approach to controlling sufficient (at least in part). It Deltares is developing about water resources and water to take better decisions using the stocks built drainage themselves, farmers involves the establishment of a Drought Early Warning­ scarcity throughout the world so about water manage­ up in this way during can help to improve water MULTI-RESERVOIR partnership for water users in a ­Systems based on Delft- that steps can be taken in time. The ment and identifies dry periods. A study distribution over the course of MANAGEMENT particular area. Together, farmers, FEWS for seasonal forecasts EU project GLOWASIS (Global Water opportunities in areas is being conducted the year. The current approach local inhabitants, municipal auth­ of available water. Delft- Scarcity Information Service), in like Aquifer Storage in the GO-FRESH to drainage often involves In many countries, reservoirs orities and water management FEWS is a software system which Deltares plays a leading role, and Recovery (ASR). Testing Ground in the removing excess rainwater with surface water are used for agencies manage (in other words, that is used worldwide has studied global water resources Large amounts of data province of Zeeland very quickly, and this leads to water supplies when water is collect, store and deliver) the by water managers for and water scarcity, resulting in a are needed to establish (NL) to determine a shortage of fresh water in short or for specific purposes such water so that no extra supplies are operational­ hydrological­ planetary forecasting service for reliable prognoses. the extent to which the summer months. Making as hydroelectric plants. There can needed from elsewhere. The con­

forecasts. Combining drought and water scarcity that links Because traditional local measures can drainage controllable allows often be several reservoirs in an cept was introduced for the first ­weather forecasts with water consumption to hydrological­ methods are expensive be used to enhance farmers to manage the water area that serves different functions time on the Walcheren peninsula hydrological models models and satellite data. The and because the in­ freshwater availability­ regime on their land much and users, and the increasingly in the province of Zeeland (NL). for snow volumes, soil follow-up project eartH2Observe formation they collect in rural areas. By better and to store rainwater scarce fresh water needs to be used The behaviour of all the stake­ moisture,­ groundwater­ (2014-2017) is quantifying all parts about particular areas combining knowledge for the growing season. There optimally. Proper management holders was transformed from a and river discharge rates of the water cycle (precipitation, is very broad-brush, it about water systems,­ are several different methods of these reservoirs requires focus on individual interests to makes it possible­ to evaporation, discharge rates, soil was recently decided to smart drainage available for controllable the intelligent control of the joint action. The farmers of the develop a Drought Early moisture, groundwater, reservoirs) start working with an techniques, innovative drainage systems. In the available water. Deltares is Walcheren Water Husbandry Warning System which with the aim of quantifying all the Airborne Electromag­ on-line monitoring ­province of Twente (NL), developing advanced knowledge have now pooled their efforts and can be used for, among planet's water resources. This is netic (AEM) survey. technologies and the controllable drainage is and software, and we make established a foundation, intro­ other things, Rijkswater­ done using a range of global models, This approach involves participation of all being used to retain water for this available through the open ducing the first joint measures staat's Water Management satellite data and local data, and it using a helicopter to stakeholders, progress longer on agricultural land, software framework of RTC tools to improve freshwater supplies: Operational System. The is an important step on the road to collect data. One of is being made towards an approach­ that generates (RTC stands for Real-Time Control) underground storage, separat­ system supports national the operational quantification and the benefits is that the establishment benefits for nature in the to make the most of scarce ing fresh and salt ditches, and decision-­making processes forecasting of water resources and AEM surveys are quick of robust regional vicinity at the same time. water resources. ­changes to water management. during periods of drought by water scarcity. and cost-effective, freshwater­ supplies. In the province of Zeeland, supplying real-time forecasts providing area-wide controllable drainage is being For more information: about groundwater and For more information: ­information about used to increase the size of the Remco van Ek,

SOLUTIONS FOR FRESHWATER SCARCITY surface water. http://glowasis.eu and salt/fresh distributions freshwater lens and therefore [email protected] http://earth2observe.eu in groundwater. to enhance water stocks. 16 17

TRADITIONAL PORT

Space for growth at a premium Extensive industrialisation With the harbour squeezed into the city, room for Industrial growth has priority and, partly because expansion is almost non-existent and it is impossible to of a lack of know-how, there are hardly any cope with rising levels of marine transport. environmental requirements. The pollution of Deprived areas Housing is cramped and below standard. Incomes air, water and soil deteriorate the environment and levels of education are generally low. and living conditions.

Lack of interest in nature development The focus is on industry, trade and transport, with little interest in nature development. That results in a lack of biodiversity, and ecosystem services are under-exploited.

Inadequate coastal protection Coastal defences are not designed to cope with the effects of climate change such as sea-level Poor accessibility The port infrastructure is not designed to cope rise and powerful waves. with high levels of freight haulage and passenger transport: roads and railways are congested.

Harbour silts up quickly Design and construction fail to take morphology and ecology into account, and wave and current models are not used. Fairways silt up quickly and daily dredging is needed: that is an expensive approach that also disrupts the ecosystem.

CENTRAL ECONOMIC PRIORITY Older seaports were built at a time when there was an exclusive focus on local trade, industry and transport, and little interest in public health, the environment and sustainable port development. Concrete and steel ruled, and ports were squeezed into the city. Harbour activities and development generally have a negative impact on the ecosystem. Environment-­ unfriendly ships Older ports cannot cope with the rapid rise in international container transport, ever-larger There are no standards for engines or seagoing vessels and increasingly stringent environmental requirements. Connections with the fuel, and so emission levels are high. hinterland are not designed for current economic growth and so it is difficult to manage the goods flows. Their competitive position is weakening rapidly. Is it possible to establish ports that can cope with economic development but also comply with current environmental requirements and safeguard the functioning of the ecosystem? GREEN Better link with the hinterland Sustainable living There is enough infrastructure to cope with increases in environment­ freight and passenger transport. Green infrastructure and optimal water management create a sustainable living PORT environment that has beneficial knock-on Cleaner ships effects on public health and the environment. Port authorities use the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) to determine the contamination levels of individual vessels. Appealing residential areas Harbour fees are set accordingly, encouraging the use of Residential areas are spacious and make the most of clean engines and diesel. Room for aquaculture the appealing waterside location. The residential and The area is structured so that there is room to work facilities for the local people are adequate and use the ecosystem for things like aquaculture. the infrastructure is up to standard.

Adaptability to climate change Coastal defences use natural barriers such as sand, salt marshes or mangroves. They help to dampen waves and capture silt, and they also provide a natural habitat.

Renewable energy There is room for wind turbines that can generate renewable energy for local inhabitants and companies. Open harbour An offshore port island, where large Less dredging sea-going vessels can moor so that the The port design is based on current, wave and goods flows can be handled efficiently. wind models, reducing sedimentation and the need for dredging. That is good for the environment and it cuts costs.

Room for recreation Foreshores can be used as recreational areas. BALANCING THE ECONOMY AND ECOLOGY In recent years, there has been a rise in interest in ‘green ports’ as a way of achieving sustainable economic growth. During design and construction, economic growth, climate change and the ecosystem are taken into account. The port is designed in close consultation with local Monitoring biodiversity stakeholders so that it becomes an attractive place to live and work. The impact of the port on biodiversity is modelled beforehand and calculations are made to The impact of human intervention on the natural system is worked out beforehand and ensure that a healthy ecosystem is established. established using simulations, resulting in a clear picture of the effects on the ecosystem. The port The system is monitored continuously after construction has been completed. infrastructure can manage rapid growth in container transport and ever larger ships. Coastal defences are built to withstand climate change, with nature-based engineering such as sandy foreshores and mangroves playing a prominent role. Features like this can also be used for recreation, aquaculture, fishing and nature development. There is a better balance between economy and ecology. For more information: [email protected] DELTARES/DESIGN: FRÉDÉRIK RUYS DELTARES/DESIGN: © 18 DELTARES , SEPTEMBER 2014 19

Nanoparticles are a promising, cost-saving HOW THIS technology generally, but also in soil remediation. MINUSCULE PARTICLE Research in this area is in full swing and the technology will probably be available soon. But what are CAN CLEAN UP these nanoparticles, how do they work, and do they involve risks? YOUR SOIL BY KARIN STONE

Nanoparticles: how should we picture them? clean up pollution­ where it occurs, eliminating the need That's not easy, because nanoparticles are invisible for pumping. We are talking about a few months. to the naked eye. The head of a needle is as large as a million nanoparticles. To be precise: they are between So why is nanotechnology still used so little? one and ten billionths of a metre in diameter. Which The technology still needs to be improved. The isn't big. ­nanoparticles are pumped into the soil using pipes, and they then spread. A few metres away from the So how can a particle so small still be useful? pipe, the particles­ coagulate and don't spread any The strength of nanoparticles is precisely the fact ­further. As a result, large numbers of pipes have to be that they are so small. Doctors use nanoparticles to installed to clear up more extensive pollution. One solution transport medication to the right place in the body, and could be to make a change to the nanoparticles to stop electrical engineers use nanotechnology to develop even them coagulating but that could result in the particle smaller computer chips. In addition, this technology losing its useful properties. And we still need to establish is relatively cheap because you can make very large a full picture of the risks associated with the method. numbers of nanoparticles with little material. And that is another advantage that makes this technology Risks? What's the story there? particularly appealing. In theory, the risks would seem to be minimal but more research is needed. For example, what happens when Nanotechnology for cleaning up soil: how does the nanoparticles spread outside the polluted location?­ that work? We can only go to work when we have answered Nanoparticles can reach places that are often ­questions like this satisfactorily. inaccessible using current remediation technologies. The nanoparticles react with the contaminants, forming How unfortunate. Can we expect to see harmless substances, or stop the pollution spreading ­nanotechnology being used in soil remediation? further. Soil clean-up work often involves using Certainly, and it probably won't take long. At the processed iron. Iron is naturally present in the soil moment, the possibilities and risks associated with and is not toxic in itself. nanotechnology in the field of soil remediation are being explored in greater detail in the NanoRem That sounds very promising. Is it really? (www.nanorem.eu) project. This project is also looking It certainly is. This technology can be used to tackle for ways of applying the technology on a large scale types of pollution that are still difficult to treat using while minimising costs. The NanoRem project­ will be current technologies. Such as certain types of contami­ completed in late 2017. The technology will already nation that do not dissolve completely in water but have been used in a number of locations by then. that persist in the soil in drop form, or for fixing arsenic and toxic metals. It is also a much faster method than Source: Majid Hassanizadeh, professor of hydrogeology those currently available, making it cheaper once again. at the Geosciences Faculty of Utrecht University and senior One of the standard methods involves pumping up consultant for the Deltares Subsurface and Groundwater ­contaminated water, which is then pumped back into Systems department. the ground after it has been cleaned up. That can take For more information: Pauline van Gaans, senior expert in

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK PHOTO: years, and sometimes decades. Nanotechnology can Soil Quality & Management, [email protected] 20 21 MAN-MADE WETLAND IN THE CITY Concrete drainage channels are common in tropical cities. During the rainy season, extremely large amounts of water are drained out through the channels, preventing flooding. Singapore wants to improve the appearance of the channels and boost water quality at the same time. Creating a wetland NATURE-BASED makes it possible to achieve both these goals sustainably in a single operation. The conditions for this man-made wetland have been tested and adopted in recent ENGINEERING IN months by Deltares in Singapore. Together with NUSDeltares, the collaboration between Deltares and the University of Singapore, research has taken place to determine the THE CITY ON THE RISE most effective types of sand and vegetation. The next step was to come up with a design for the wetland. That is a delicate balance: if there is too much vegetation, the channel can overflow; if there is too little, the water That means that all the administrative levels must will not be cleaned adequately. On the basis City residents want to live in a green and sustainable habitat. But delta cities support a concept of this kind, and coordination and of tests, it was possible to establish a picture face other challenges such as flood prevention and maintaining adequate agreement are extremely important.’ of all the factors needed to ensure the proper supplies of clean water. Nature-based engineering is a great way of reconciling She also points out that the city needs to make a solid functioning of an urban wetland and it is ambitions and challenges. So it is being used more and more often, and the appraisal beforehand. ‘You are shaping the destiny of now possible to say whether this is a feasible possibilities are increasing fast. What are the latest developments? a particular area for the long term. It will be part of a option in any given location. BY CARMEN BOERSMA dike. That means that you can't just decide to use it for A pilot wetland measuring 50 x 4 metres will something else.’ be created in a channel in Singapore in the near future, giving the city the first project n more and more cities, green areas are no longer Deltares is involved here in the context of the Building Breaking waves of this kind in the world. The pilot study was created solely to make the surroundings more with Nature innovation programme of the Ecoshape Wouter van der Star, one of the specialists in nature-­ conducted for Singapore's Public Utility Board. attractive. Nature also contributes to achieving other consortium, which brings together business, research based engineering at Deltares, is closely involved with goals, such as storing excess water, reducing heat institutes and government authorities. the project. ‘Trials in our flumes and models have shown For more information: stress, improving water quality and purifying the air. that vegetation can break waves. So planting willows in Ellis Penning, [email protected] Space in cities is always at a premium and so Solid appraisal front of a dike means that the dike does not need to be ­nature-based engineering here is often small-scale, Ellen Kelder is a water programme manager working on as high. In Dordrecht, we are now testing that theory in Irequiring creativity from policymakers. Fortunately, there the project with the city of Dordrecht. ‘Dordrecht thought practice. There is a forebank with willows at ‘Kop van ’t are lots of applications and, increasingly, we are seeing the the idea of using nature to achieve several objectives was land’ that is a few kilometres long and approximately successful introduction of solutions like green roofs, wadis, enormously appealing and we are very happy that we can 100 or 150 metres wide. We will be monitoring the natural riverbanks or floating reed marshes. actually make a contribution in this area with the ‘Eiland ­impact on flood protection. Once the project finishes in van Dordrecht/Kop van ‘t land’ project. This project will late 2015, we can also introduce the concept safely at Flood risk management not only improve flood protection, the willow wood will other locations and as an option for dike upgrades.’ Recently, nature-based engineering in the city has gone also contribute to ecological diversity and an appealing We are also looking at the best way of combining a step further, looking at the extent to which nature can recreational area will also be established. All three goals ­ecological and leisure functions, both with one another­ contribute to flood risk management, a concept that has only are important for the people of the city.’ and with flood risk management. Wouter van der been used outside cities until now. Dordrecht in the province She emphasises that sound collaboration between the Star: ‘Leisure facilities impose different requirements of South Holland, which is surrounded on all sides by water, ­different administrative levels is vitally important for the than ecological­ development. We also want to use this The Van Kleef Centre in Singapore, is an important testing ground. A project was launched at the implementation of concepts like this. ‘The project is located project to show how to design an area that does the best the testing facility established by start of the year on the edge of the city to study the extent to within the city boundaries but the city authorities are not ­possible justice to all three of these functions.’ NUS and Deltares, was the location which a forebank with a willow wood can contribute to flood responsible for flood risk assessment, or the construction for the physical model tests to protection and to identify the boundary conditions. This is and management of dikes, which are the responsibility of For more information: determine the conditions for a quite a challenge in both technical and governance terms. national government and water management authorities. [email protected] ­man-made wetland in the city. PHOTO: TNINKSTOCK PHOTO: 22 DELTARES , SEPTEMBER 2014 23

Designs tested to scale in the Deltares research facilities KNOWLEDGE Alliance between Deltares and industry produces innovative IN OPERATION ­techniques and creates new market opportunities for business.

Test water discharge. The water is pumped back into the container for recycling through a cellar.

The pump compartments with the pumps. In reality, there are Researcher 29 pumps with Femke Verhaart 3 different functions: injects ink into for cooling water, the water to desalination and show the flow the cleaning the and make it clear exhaust gases from how the water the power plant. flows to the pumps.

After the water has been filtered, it is sent to the pumps in the distribution zone.

Water from If there is a tsunami, the barrier the IOS Basin, unfolds and the land (to the left in reality the Wooden Red Sea. walkway for the of the blue barrier) is kept dry. researchers. TSUNAMI BARRIER

oel Marissen, a senior scientist with DSM that can withstand up to 20 metres of water.’ Ballast keeps the wooden model The water is filtered in drums. Waste is Dyneema: ‘Dyneema® is the strongest ‘The question is, of course, whether the theory­ in place, preventing it from removed here to stop the pumps getting floating. The model was built clogged. In reality, the drums have a diameter fibre in the world and, at the same time, will work in practice. Would the barrier unfold to a scale of 1:12. of 11 metres. it is very light and flexible. So it is widely ­automatically? Would it be strong enough for a used, for example in cables in the offshore ­tsunami? Would the float idea work? We went to

PHOTO: SAM RENTMEESTER, RETOUCHING BY MATERS & HERMSEN MATERS BY RETOUCHING SAM RENTMEESTER, PHOTO: industry but also in safety gloves and Deltares to get answers. They know about water bullet-proof vests. A few years ago, someone came ­forces there, and about how tsunamis behave, and Rup with the idea of using it in a barrier that could be they have the experimental facilities where designs FLOW TO PUMPING STATION OPTIMISED ­deployed automatically to protect nuclear power can be tested to scale. That was exactly what plants or cities from tsunamis.’ we needed.’ he population in Saudi Arabia is growing fast A stable flow of water to the pumps taking the water to ‘How does it work? Behind the beach, along the coast, ‘The design was first modelled in the computer and and ­demand for drinking water and electricity is the station is crucial. A sub-optimal flow means that the you dig out a channel over the required distance. That then thoroughly tested. And it works. It stays upright T ­following. However, like other places in the Middle pumps use more energy than necessary and they may may be a few kilometres. You position the barrier in in all conditions, even if the tsunami exceeds the East, Saudi Arabia lacks natural supplies of fresh water start to vibrate, causing damage so that expensive pumps the channel, anchoring it firmly in the subsurface. ­design level. Even so, a lot of practical questions and the country relies on the desalinisation of seawater, have to be replaced sooner. There is also an increased risk When a tsunami arrives, the force of the water makes remain. We hope we can now find a company or a a process requiring even more electricity. As a result, of a pump malfunction and a shutdown of the plant. The the barrier unfold and a float brings it upright. The government who wants to work on the answers and ­desalinisation plants are often built in combination with Korean contractor Doosan asked Deltares to test the flow float is anchored with cables. The result is a wall on the further development of the Tsunami Barrier.’ power stations, for example in Yanbu, near the Red Sea. to the pumps in Yanbu 3 and to optimise the design of the The Yanbu 3 station will produce 550,000 m3 of fresh ­water pump compartments. a day, as well as 2400 MW of electricity. That requires a For more information: lot of seawater: 290 m3 a second, 2.5 million m3 every day. For more information: [email protected] [email protected] Would you like to see how the Tsunami Barrier works? Go to http://bit.ly/DyneemaStopsTsunami or scan the code. 24 DELTARES , SEPTEMBER 2014 25

Scientific opinion is divided: some claim that jellyfish numbers are exploding; others say that's complete nonsense. What we do know for certain is that jellyfish are an increasing global problem for coastal activities. And we also know that coastal authorities are hardly aware of this at all and that they are doing little to combat the jellyfish. So it's time for a wake-up call.

The potential revenue from tourism in coastal areas Jellyfish have been with us for at least 510 million years has been cut by a third in recent decades because (since the middle Cambrian) and so they are much of increasing numbers of jellyfish in coastal seas. older than fish. Even so, we know almost nothing about their behaviour and habitats, and that prevents us from developing effective counter-measures. The jellyfish It is thought that, worldwide, jellyfish account for 40 billion dollars of damage in the sectors of tourism, aquaculture, nuclear power stations and fishing. This Offshore construction activities such as wind farms, estimate doesn't include all the costs, because there piers and breakwaters create habitats where jellyfish are gaps in the available information. flourish. Jellyfish polyps like to nestle on these ­artificial structures. This is not a factor that is taken are coming! into account during coastal development activities. The harmful American sea walnut is increasingly found in Dutch coastal seas and estuaries, and the highest densities and largest animals can be Jellyfish benefit from the destruction of found here now. ecosystems by human activities such as over-fishing, sea waste and fertilisers.

Climate change is pushing some species of jellyfish to other locations. For example, the life-threatening box Millions are spent to keep jellyfish away from the jellyfish can now be found in much more northerly seas beaches of the Mediterranean. But to little effect, than previously and the poisonous mauve stinger from the because the cause of the problem is not being tackled. Mediterranean is now often found in the seas off Scotland.

With jellyfish shredders, which destroy live jellyfish Nomur's jellyfish can be as large as a Volkswagen at sea, the cure is worse than the disease. The jellyfish Beetle and weigh 250 kg. It is a major threat to fishing. graveyards disrupt the local ecosystem as the pieces Claims for damages can lead to international tensions of jellyfish rot. And some species actually reproduce because the polyps can be in one country, while the faster if they are cut up. adult jellyfish cause damage in another.

Apps that advise fishermen about jellyfish levels when planning fishing trips are useful For more information about the but the underlying data is still inadequate research being conducted by Deltares and and so the apps are not precise enough. the Netherlands Institute for Marine Research looking at jellyfish in the North Sea, and the development of forecasting models: [email protected] 26 DELTARES, SEPTEMBER 2014 27

NATURAL BANKS ALONG THE DIKE The Houtribdijk is not up to standard, and an upgrade is needed. A shallow Make more of the lake dike incline is better for water quality and nature than a steep rock wall. In densely-populated delta areas, we want to make the most of every inch of land. Midway along the dike, near the Trintel Harbour, the dike has already been We call that ‘multifunctional land use’. A few inventive changes can make lakes into upgraded over a distance of 1.5 kilometres on the Markermeer side. A very gradual transition was made from land to water, so that different types more than just freshwater reservoirs. The IJsselmeer area shows how we can combine of fauna and flora will feel at home here. Researchers are monitoring the spatial planning, nature, flood protection, water quality, tourism and recreation in ­situation closely to ensure that the dike upgrade is strong enough and a relatively confined space. to keep an eye on nature development. If the approach works, the entire BY JOACHIM ROZEMEIJER ­Houtribdijk will be remodelled on these lines.

NATURAL WATER TREATMENT Near Andijk in the north of Holland, the Koopmanspolder has been transformed into a unique meeting place for water, nature, culture history and recreation. Water from the IJsselmeer is let in, where it follows a long, circular maze of ditches through the polder. As it passes through, plants and ­bacteria purify it naturally and the clean water then goes back into the IJsselmeer, or it may be used by local farmers. At the same time, the Koopmanspolder has been transformed into a location that both birds and people like to visit.

COASTAL REINFORCEMENT­ The Dutch government DAMS AND SMALL wants the water level in ­ISLANDS TO KEEP NEW NATURE: the IJsselmeer to be higher THE WATER CLEAR A LIVING LABORATORY so that it will be possible When there are storms in the Nothing can be seen at the to meet water demand Marken Lake, the clay bed is ­moment but, within the next during dry periods in the churned up and water plants five years, this location will future. Dikes and river- and mussels get covered. The be transformed into one of banks will need to be raised turbid water also stops the the larger­ nature areas in the by pumping­ sand from sunlight that water plants Netherlands: the Markerwadden. the IJsselmeer onto the need to grow. The mussels It will bring together a mixture beaches near Workum. and plants die, and so less of islands, shallow open waters However, aquatic flora and food is available for the birds and marshes, creating a bird fauna thrive in quiet, stable and fish. There are plans for paradise unequalled in Europe. environments and moving creating dams and islands FLOATING REED MARSHES Biodiversity will be enhanced, all that sand around doesn't in the Hoornse Hop to break Man-made reed marshes float in the waters of the IJburg and it will also be an appealing help them. So it has been the wind and the waves. In residential area in Amsterdam, providing a habitat for flora and area for leisure visitors. At the decided to use a Sand Motor, the shadow of the dams and fauna. The marshes capture nutrients and sludge, and dampen same time, it will be a living a man-made sand bank off islands, clay will stay put on waves and currents. And the reeds and the willows in the marsh laboratory. How will nature de- the coast. The sand from the bed. The plants, mussels, also absorb carbon dioxide. Local companies can harvest the reeds velop? Can the islands manage the Sand Motor is dispersed birds and fish benefit, but the for producing sustainable energy or weaving baskets. storms and ice floes? We will be by the water and the wind, local diving centre is also very able to use what we learn here in gradually reinforcing the happy with the prospect of freshwater lakes and on muddy coast in a natural way. clear water. For more information: [email protected] coasts throughout the world. ILLUSTRATION: ROEL SAVERT ROEL ILLUSTRATION: 28 DELTARES, SEPTEMBER 2014 29

Delft 3D 4.01 Delft Software Days release for The new Deltares hydro software, andparticularly ­ Deltares Software Centre: ‘It works very fast Delft3D Flexible Mesh, will be the focus of with the flexible mesh and it can be used to Windows­ and considerable attention at the Delft Software Days establish a detailed mesh which provides an Linux (DSD-INT 2014), where the results from a range accurate representation of all the characteristics ALLIANCE WITH KUWAIT of pilot studies conducted over the past year will of the water system, resulting in a highly realistic July saw the global release of Delft3D be presented. For example, the new software picture. The new software is particularly suitable 4.01 for both Windows and Linux. This was used to model the lagoon of Venice and for integrated studies of catchments.’ latest, fully-validated Delft3D release San Francisco Bay. The aim of the pilot studies The Delft Software Days this year will be from was designed specially to investigate is to introduce outside organisations to the 27 October to 7 November. This event is the hydrodynamics, sediment transport, new software and to conduct tests to see where place for developers and users of Delft software and morphology and water quality in improvements or changes are needed. More pilot to exchange expertise and experience. Last year, river estuaries and coastal zones. This studies will be carried out in the course of 2014 there were visitors from almost 40 countries. version includes components such as and 2015. Delft3D Flexible Mesh will go onto the There are numerous conferences, workshops, user the Wind Enhance Scheme (WES) for market in 2015. meetings, courses and presentations about the accurate storm-surge, hurricane and The Deltares hydro software has been leading software developed by Deltares, Delft University typhoon simulations, and advanced the way for decades and it is used in more than of Technology and UNESCO-IHE. The Delft open techniques for parallel calculations 140 countries throughout the world by water source software community now has 10,000+ with Delft3D-FLOW. Delft3D 4.01 is Deltares has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with managers, modellers, business, and knowledge members throughout the world and it is growing available straightforwardly as a part of Kuwait's ‘Environment Public Authority’ (EPA), the govern- and research institutes. fast. The DSD-INT 2014 have been organised to a range of Delft3D Service Packages ment agency responsible for the country's environment. A number of packages have, since 2011, been support the open source community and they such as the Delft3D Basic Service Deltares will support EPA in a range of areas, including integrated and undergone a fundamental are important in terms of furthering links with Packages, Advanced Service Packages knowledge for the sustainable management from urban ­technological overhaul as part of the ‘Next universities, research institutes, government and the Professional Service Package. areas, coastal zones and wetlands (Photo: Raja Dawood ­Generation Hydro Software’ project. The strength authorities and business. The DSD-INT 2014 Al-Busairi, the EPA deputy managing director from EPA and of the new software is the new Delft3D will take place on the Deltares campus in Delft. Maarten Smits, the Deltares managing director). ­computational core D-Flow Flexible Mesh. Climate App: Edward Melger, the product manager at the For more information: http://www.dsd-int.nl/ new tool for iMOD open RESULTS OF THE STUDY LOOKING AT urban climate ‘SLURRY’ TRANSPORT EXPLAINED source measures At the ‘International Seminar­ This is important because the Since mid-June, the source code for on Paste and Thickened settlement of the mixture can How can we make cities resilient iMOD has been publicly available. ­Tailings’ (Paste), which took lead to blockages. Deltares, to floods, extreme precipitation, iMOD is a fast and user-friendly place in Vancouver in June, Delft University of Technology drought and heat? There has graphic user interface for groundwater Deltares teamed up with the and Barr Engineering have been an enormous research effort modelling using the computational Delft University ofTechnology ­ been studying this extensively in this area in recent years and cores MODFLOW, MT3DMS and and Barr Engineering to in recent years and established­ whole books have been filled with SEAWAT. The transfer of iMOD to open present the latest results of the a clearer picture of what descriptions of possible measures. source represents the next step in the study of how slurry settles. happens. The Climate App, a new free Deltares open-source policy. Deltares Slurries are mixtures of soil This was the seventeenth tool, means that these measures has made the source code available to and water. Many features of edition of the ‘Paste’ ­ are now accessible quickly and encourage collaboration and to further slurry transport­ are still poorly seminar, where scientists easily. The app was developed for ongoing joint development. The iMOD understood. For example, it and consultants­ in the field global application and it has been source code can be downloaded from is unclear where in the flow of slurry exchange their tested in Rotterdam, Delft, Ho Chi http://oss.deltares.nl/web/iMOD the behaviour of the mixture knowledge with commercial Minh City, Copenhagen and New fundamentally changes nature companies and organisations Orleans. The Climate App can be For more information: and when the mixture settles. that work with slurry. used via www.climateapp.nl and it www.deltaressystems.nl is available in the Apple Appstore and the Google Playstore. 30 DELTARES, SEPTEMBER 2014 31

DOCTORATE SUBSURFACE AND GROUNDWATER TRAINING FOR STUDENTS FACILITIES UNDER ONE ROOF MEKONG­ DELTA Deltares teamed up with UNESCO-IHE last summer OLDA RAKOVEC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT in Vietnam to organise a received her doctorate on 25 April 2014 course on ‘Smart strategies at Wageningen University. CLIMATE ADAPTATION Deltares has a wide range of courses and measures for climate Subject: Improving Operational Flood on offer. We can also organise them POOLED ­adaptation in the Mekong ­Forecasting Using Data Assimilation. to cater to your specific requirements All the knowledge about making the Delta’. The course was Supervisors: Professor R. Uijlenhoet, and/or on location. In 2014-2015, Netherlands climate-proof in the for lecturers­ at different Dr. A. Weerts. the courses on offer will include: research programme ‘Knowledge for ­universities who plan to Climate’ has been brought together organise climate adaptation EVELYN APARICIO Advanced course on Pressure in nine different publications. Each courses for their master received her doctorate on 6 May 2014 Management and Pressure Transients publication looks at a theme and there students. at Eindhoven University of Technology. in water distribution systems is one overall book. The themes include The course was set up Subject: Physical aspects explaining climate-robust cities, climate-robust OOSTEN MICHAEL VAN PHOTO: under the NICHE umbrella, ­cyanobacteria scum formation in Basic and advanced course on countryside, freshwater supplies and In June, Deltares grouped the test facilities for subsoil and groundwater a capacity building project natural systems. 'Settlement calculations with water quality, and flood protection. at its campus in Delft. financed by NUFFIC. It Supervisor: Professor H.J.H. Clercx. D-Settlement' ‘Knowledge for climate’ included inten­ supports the establishment sive collaboration between researchers, and upgrading of the Center IVAN GARCIA TRIANA Basic and advanced course on 'Sheet government authorities and business. of Water Management and received his doctorate on 12 May 2014 piling design with D-Sheet Piling' A range of instruments and services CHAIR OF EU GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE WORKING GROUP Climate Change (WACC) of at Delft University of Technology. were developed in collaboration, with Victor Beumer, a landscape torate-General). The working the national university of Ho Subject: Towards a data assimilation system Delft-FEWS Basic and Advanced the emphasis on practical applicability. ecologist and a specialist group advises the EU about Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) and for morphodynamic modeling. Courses Deltares was the coordinator of the in eco-engineering with the use of Green Infrastruc­ its partner universities in the Supervisors: Professor A.W. Heemink (EWI), consortium ‘Freshwater supplies and Deltares, has been appointed ture for water treatment, Mekong Delta. Dr. H.M. Schuttelaars (UD-EWI). Delft3D Basic and Advanced Courses water quality’ and ‘Flood Protection’. chair of the EU ‘Green Infra­ protection and storage. Over structure’ working group of the the next year, the focus will be ALIMZHAN ZHUBAYEV Designing and testing foundations For more information: Water Technological Platform on formulating business cases received his doctorate on 15 May 2014 using D-Foundations www.kennisvoorklimaat.nl/oogst. (Research & Innovation Direc­ with Green Infrastructure. LAND SUBSIDENCE­ at Delft University of Technology. Subject: Soil properties from seismic REQUIRES ­CREATIVE Hydrodynamics of Piping Systems intrinsic dispersion. APPROACH­ - Dynamic Behaviour Supervisors: Professor C.P.A. Wapenaar, The future of delta cities Dr. R. Ghose Hydrodynamics of Piping Systems NEW DELTA FLUME such as Jakarta and Bangkok - Pumps and Appendages is threatened by sea-level ALMOST­ FINISHED rise, but even more by land OpenDA Basic Course The new Delta Flume will be There is considerable global subsidence reaching as much used in November for the first demand for the realistic test­ as several metres a century. SOBEK 3 Basic Course Hydrodynamics time. Building work on the ing of hydraulic structures. Raising dikes fails to solve the in Rivers new flume on the Deltares Construction work on the underlying problem of falling campus in Delft took almost new Delta Flume started in groundwater levels. The TIMO SCHWECKENDIEK SWAN Advanced Course two years. The official open­ September 2012. The only sustainable remedy is received his doctorate on 4 July 2014 ing ceremony will be next flume is 300 metres long, to combine urban functions at Delft University of Technology. WANDA Basic and Advanced Courses spring. 9.5 metres deep and with a high water table. Subject: On reducing piping uncertainties With the new Delta Flume, 5 metres wide. Waves with These were the main - A Bayesian Decision Approach. XBeach Basic and Advanced Courses Deltares will have a unique heights of up to 4.5 metres ­conclusions of the ‘Delta city Supervisors: Professor J.K. Vrijling, test facility where it will be can be generated. The new sustainability’ debate that Professor A.C.W.M. Vrouwenvelder (CiTG) For more information: possible to test at full scale the Delta Flume will replace the Deltares organised recently www.deltares.nl/nl/academy/ effect of extreme waves on old Deltares Delta Flume in in Rotterdam. cursusagenda dikes, dunes or breakwaters. the North-East Polder. [email protected] MOZAMBIQUE

Beira is Mozambique's second-largest city. It is located has been set up to prevent this happening. The plan on the estuary of the Pungue River. Beira is important was developed in 2013 in consultation with all local for the country and for large parts of southern Africa because stakeholders, ensuring widespread support. The plan provides the harbour plays a major role in the handling of imports and an overview of all the current and future problems associated exports. It is located in a developing region and so considerable­ with climate change and sets out solutions in line with the plans growth is expected in the coming years for the harbour, for growth. A crucial factor in terms of implementation is the ­industry, agriculture and population. establishment of a knowledge base and planning capacity for But Beira has been struggling for decades with a large number the Beira city authorities. There is a strong focus on this area of problems that represent obstacles to growth. For example, because the lack of expertise and capacity was one of the main coastal protection is inadequate and the drainage system works reasons why plans failed in the past. badly. As a result, large parts of the city are flooded for months The implementation stage began in 2014. By 2035, Beira will during the rainy season. That is very bad for local people, have developed into a major economic hub and a safe place to companies and infrastructure. The stagnant water means that live that can cope with the impact of climate change. an outbreak of a fatal disease such as cholera and malaria is The Beira Master Plan is being implemented with Witteveen+­ always possible. If nothing is done, the problems associated Bos, Wissing Stedebouw en Ruimtelijke Vormgeving, Van den with sea-level rise will continue to get worse. Broek consulting and Niras. It is a part of the Water Mondiaal The ‘2035 Beira Master Plan’, which Deltares is coordinating, programme.