Water in new towns in the IJsselmeerpolders

Water is essential to urban areas. For proper water management the water must meet certain qualitative and quantitative requirements, both with respect to groundwater and surface water. In areas of the Flevopolders destinated for urban development it is necessary to modify the system of water management that has been installed to suit the tempory agricultural use. Conditions must be created to prevent the groundwater and the surface water from causing any problems during and after the construction of the urban areas. This calls for means to remove water. Sub-surface drains and stormwater sewers are to carry the excess rainfall directly or indirectly into the canals. The surplus water is then removed from the towns and discharged into the canals in the polders either by gravity or by pumping. Suitable means for the collection and purification of wastewater are also needed.