Water and soil quality

Clean water and clean soil are universal values. However, achieving that goal is nowadays not as straightforward as it seems. Water and soil behave in extremely complex ways. Their healthy state is easily disturbed by climatic change, intensive land use and even new types of contaminants. Deltares studies these processes and we use the knowledge we acquire to help managers maintain or achieve healthy water and soil quality.

Studying disruptive factors

Water and soil quality are under constant pressure. For example, pharmaceuticals are entering our water systems more frequently and global warming is probably causing more cyanobacterial blooms in our lakes and ponds than before. Nowadays, land is not only used for e.g. building and agriculture, we also store energy below it. Deltares studies the impacts of all these traditional and new anthropogenic activities.

Years of experience

We survey, predict and advise. Drawing on years of experience and research, we can quickly identify similarities to previous situations. We also develop advanced computer models and put them into practice for diagnosing problems and for investigating solutions. We carry out research in our own laboratories. We strive towards an optimal balance between environmental benefits, costs and public support.

Integrated vision

Deltares looks at water and soil within the local, regional or global context. This approach is essential in order to identify cause and effect. So for example, we examine the impact of fertilisers on groundwater and the adjoining ditches, but also on downstream coastal waters, where nutrients end up causing various problems such as eutrophication. In addition, we develop monitoring programmes, indicators and assessment frameworks, to test compliance with national and European regulations.

National and international

Water and soil management is becoming increasingly complex. Deltares provides the scientific facts needed to inform the decision maker. We are partners in a large number of national and international research programmes. Many of our clients are government and semi-government authorities, but we also work for the corporate sector. At international level, we work for organisations like the World Bank and the European Union.  

Related fields of activity

• Coast and Sea
• Ecology
• European research projects

Downloads:

• Aquaterra; Knowledge for the integrated management of European river basins (pdf)