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Fibre-optic technology maps the subsurface
Background
What happens beneath our feet? Using innovative monitoring techniques, we're mapping the groundwater-bearing layer beneath the Deltares campus in Delft. This aquifer forms the basis of our Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) system, which provides heating and cooling for several Deltares buildings. Our experts in applied geology and applied geophysics collect information about subsurface behaviour, enabling us to maintain and optimise the ATES system more effectively. The knowledge gained also supports the wider use of the subsurface as a foundation for a sustainable energy supply.
17 questions about drought and low water levels in the Rhine and Meuse
The drought of 2026 demonstrates that water availability is not solely a Dutch issue. Climate change and rising water demand are putting pressure on the Rhine and the Meuse. Deltares is working with river commissions, public authorities and knowledge partners throughout the catchment area to develop knowledge, scenarios and solutions that contribute to a climate-resilient and future-proof water supply.
Improving flood maps through community engagement
Developing locally relevant flood hazard and risk maps requires more than advanced modelling. By engaging directly with communities on remote atolls in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Deltares is learning from local knowledge to improve flood projections and support climate-resilient planning.
Tom Buijse: professor by special appointment with a mission for healthy freshwater ecosystems
Tom Buijse has been working at Deltares for 18 years as an expert in the health and restoration of freshwater ecosystems. For the past six years, he has combined his work at Deltares with a one-day-a-week appointment as Special Professor Freshwater Fish Ecology at Wageningen University & Research. What makes his shared position between two knowledge institutes so special?
Large Language Models (LLMs) for transboundary water management
Applying new technologies
Managing flood risks in international river basins requires insight into the measures taken by upstream countries. In basins such as the Rhine, interventions in upstream countries, such as water storage, dyke reinforcement or weir management, have a direct impact on water safety further downstream, including in the Netherlands.
Dyke guards with Deltares DNA
Meet our people
By day, they model high-water waves and analyse failure mechanisms. But when it matters most, they’re out there in their boots, standing in the mud. Four Deltares colleagues consciously choose to volunteer as dyke wardens or incident leads, safeguarding the very dykes behind which they live. It says something about who we are: professionals with deep expertise, who take responsibility and feel truly connected to the world around them.
Close to water, close to people
Meet our people
At Deltares, passionate people are driven by major societal challenges, where knowledge and collaboration truly make a difference. One of them is Tiaravanni Hermawan, a researcher specialising in flood risk and drought. In her work, she combines modelling with hands-on field experience, from the Netherlands to Bangladesh and Indonesia. What motivates her in her work at Deltares? We asked Tiaravanni: “What drives you?"
The North Sea is changing; data shows just how quickly
Applying new technologies
On the surface, the North Sea looks familiar, but beneath the water, changes are taking place that are difficult to see with the naked eye. Climate change and the rapid growth of offshore wind require new ways of marine observation and data interpretation.
The final piece of the drinking water supply puzzle
Background
Demand for drinking water continues to rise due to population growth, increased consumption and climate change. Our current sources provide us with a reliable supply of drinking water, but they may come under pressure in the event of major disasters. That is why we are working on National Groundwater Reserves (NGRs).
Optimising scour protections for offshore wind
Background
In the experimental facilities, Deltares investigates how loose rock scour protections around offshore wind turbine foundations perform during storms and tides. The results help offshore wind developers make their designs more efficient. Pim van Steijn, expert in scour and scour protections at Deltares: “Every wind farm has a unique foundation design and therefore its own specific issues.”
The Eastern Scheldt Barrier put to the test: what can a scale model teach us?
Background
Standing next to the basin in Deltares’ test hall, you see a miniature version of a national icon: the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier on a scale of 1:40. During tests, waves pounded against the closed gates or water swirled between the piers, just as in reality. Over a hundred sensors recorded every conceivable force in detail. Why would you build a scale model of this barrier, and what insights does it provide?
Looking after the North Sea
Background
The North Sea is Europe’s busiest marine nature area. With 250,000 ship movements, some 2,600 operational wind turbines, hundreds of Natura 2000 areas, and thousands of professional fishermen, this 570,000 square kilometres of sea are already quite busy. Given agreements on land about a range of transitions, that certainly isn’t expected to change. What are the implications for the knowledge questions?
