Measures to combat flooding

What does the local council do?

We divert rainwater

To ensure that less and less clean rainwater is needlessly lost to the sewer system, the municipality of Apeldoorn is disconnecting areas from the sewer system wherever possible. Every year, at least 6 hectares of public space are disconnected from the sewerage system. This includes roads, squares, car parks and the roofs of schools and public buildings. Disconnection is particularly taken into account during major maintenance work on roads and the sewerage system. In new neighbourhoods, such as Zuidbroek, rainwater no longer flows into the sewer system.

Has your street already been disconnected from the sewerage system?

You can see in your street whether rainwater has already been separated from the sewer system. You can recognise this by a manhole cover or drain with a fan-shaped pattern. From July 2026, the ‘blue drop’ will be introduced for new sewerage projects where rainwater is separated. You will then be able to easily recognise where rainwater has been separated by the blue drop on a manhole cover or gully.

The municipality of Apeldoorn is disconnecting more and more streets and buildings from the sewerage system. This means that clean rainwater no longer flows into the sewers. We can make very good use of this rainwater elsewhere, which is why the municipality is constructing so-called wadis (Water Drainage and Infiltration systems).

We are replacing the tarmac with paving stones

In streets where maintenance work is taking place, Apeldoorn Council is increasingly opting for pavers rather than tarmac. Why? Rainwater seeps into the ground much more easily through the gaps between the pavers. This means less water ends up in the sewer system, soil dehydration is prevented and, moreover, there is no longer any need for drainage holes in the kerb. In addition, paving stones are also more sustainable because they last much longer and are easier to repair.

We bring streams and springs to the surface

The municipality of Apeldoorn is taking various measures to prevent rainwater from entering the sewer system. Wherever possible, the water is now being allowed to infiltrate on-site via wadis or streams. The streams and springs are therefore being restored to provide space for excess rainwater and surplus groundwater. We have already done this, for example, with sections of the Grift, the Orderbeek, the Eendrachtspreng, the Koningsbeek and the Driehuizerspreng. Stream restoration also contributes to nature conservation and recreation. From the cycle paths and footpaths along the streams, you can get a sense of what Apeldoorn used to be like. Back then, the streams were constructed to supply water to mills, laundries and paper mills. Later, business practices changed and many streams disappeared.

But we need your help too, because together we can achieve more! For example, you can diverting rainwater, install a green roof or add more greenery to your garden. Would you like to help too?

What do we do if water problems do arise?

Should any problems still arise despite all the measures taken, we will investigate that specific situation. We will, for example, measure the groundwater level, assess whether any additional measures are required, and determine who should carry them out. In short, the local authority and water boards are taking all sorts of measures to prevent flooding in your area. But it is only with your help that we can really make a difference.