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The climate is changing. We are also experiencing the consequences of this in the Netherlands. On the one hand, we are facing a rare drought and a huge water shortage, while on the other hand, we are dealing with high water levels and peak rainfall throughout the year. WSP is a company that has been anticipating a changing climate for years and is working on water management, flood protection, and the design of a pleasant and safe built environment through its projects.
“As a consulting and engineering firm, we work every day to create a future-proof living environment,” says Peter Karssemeijer, head of the Water & Environment department at WSP. “Our employees have enormous technical expertise, offer strategic advice, and develop innovative solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow in the field of water safety and water management.” WSP is known in the water world as the party that works on dyke reinforcements, but the company is also active in many other areas. “For example, we also work on stream systems, conduct hydrological studies in various locations throughout the country, and work on source measures in the field of flooding.” Maarten van Dieren, Water Management Project Manager at WSP, adds: “Our focus is on integrated water management: in addition to hydrological knowledge, we have environmental managers and people with technical, architectural, and ecological knowledge in-house to come up with good, future-proof measures. We make a difference with a bottom-up approach.‘
Karssemeijer: “We are involved in various types of projects for the Limburg Water Board. For example, we recently received a contract for dyke reinforcement near Arcen. We are also working on the redesign of various stream systems.” Climate change is happening faster than expected: think of the extreme rainfall in July with its enormous consequences. Additional investment from the government will provide a boost to tackle this problem more quickly and prepare Limburg for the new climate. Van Dieren explains that WSP supports the water board's ‘Water in Balance’ program: “WSP uses quick scans to assess the functioning of the water system and immediately makes proposals for short- and long-term measures. Together with various parties, we are working on four proverbial levers: In rural areas, we try to retain and infiltrate water directly. In the water system and stream valleys, we ensure sufficient drainage and buffer capacity. In urban areas, we seek to reduce rapid runoff via the sewer system. And finally, we help residents limit damage and prevent water from entering their homes. With the design of ‘quick start’ measures (SADS), we bring solutions from idea to implementation in six months. In all our projects, we seek practical and sustainable solutions to limit the effects of climate change,” concludes Karssemeijer.
