Due to the continued drought conditions in Zuidwest-Friesland, dikes and quays in the region will be inspected for cracks in the coming days.
Translation by Traci White
Fifteen to 20 inspectors will be evaluating the water infrastructure in the area. Some of the dikes and quays in the municipality are built with peat, and cracks can form or the earthen material can give way when exposed to dry conditions for a prolonged period.
The Leeuwarder Courant reports that such an inspection is rare: the last time the dikes and quays were checked for cracks was in 2013. Dike sin Utrecht are being kept wet in order to prevent cracks from forming, but that is not happening in Friesland thus far.
If the precipitation shortfall continues for much longer, all inland water barriers in Friesland will need to be evaluated as well. That is around 3,000 kilometres’ worth of river banks, dikes and quays.
A burn and smoking ban is currently in effect on all five of the Wadden Islands due to the dry conditions.
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