Post a comment on the text below

6.3.2.      Change in hydrological regime due to water transfer and reservoirs

Case: Change in flow due to canals

Source:

Opening of the Albert canal (1935) and the Juliana canal (1939) has resulted in a decrease of low-discharge levels. In 1990 the weir at Borgharen has been automized and discharges below 10 m³/s are mostly prevented

Figure 6.3: Lowest discharge per year on the river Meuse (Borgharen)

To prevent too low discharge in the Grensmaas, the Netherlands and northern Belgium ratified the Meuse Discharge Treaty in 1995, which comprises agreements on water distribution. This has since ensured the restriction of discharge into canals during periods of drought, and the surplus lockage water is pumped back into the river. The aim of this treaty is to prevent the Grensmaas discharge from falling below 10 m³/s. This minimal discharge seems to be sufficient to keep aquatic life in the Grensmaas healthy, provided that it does not occur too often.