The Delfland Water Board has launched its new public campaign ‘Resilient – Are You Ready?’ to encourage residents to take action and prepare for the consequences of extreme weather, such as heavy rainfall and prolonged drought. The three-year campaign highlights the importance of local cooperation, with municipalities and the Haaglanden Safety Region joining forces to spread one clear message: by working together, we can make our region more resilient.
Who are Delfland?
The Delfland Water Board (Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland) is one of the Netherlands’ oldest regional water authorities. It manages water levels, flood defences, and wastewater treatment across a large area that includes The Hague, Delft, Westland, Schiedam, and Maassluis. Much of this region lies below sea level, making careful water management essential for keeping residents safe and dry.
Why this campaign matters
Due to climate change, we are increasingly experiencing heavy downpours and periods of drought. This can lead to flooding, damage to homes, and disruptions to vital services such as roads and electricity.
“We’re doing everything we can to prepare our area for future weather extremes,” says Water Board Member Manita Koop. “We literally live below sea level here in a heavily developed area. Water sometimes has difficulty draining during extreme rainfall. Our unique situation requires aware and well-prepared residents. By working together and taking initiative ourselves, we significantly increase our resilience.”
What residents think
A recent survey by Delfland shows that while many people are aware of the risks, few have taken concrete action. Only 11% of residents have ever experienced flooding, and although 52% feel responsible, just 19% feel prepared. Over half do not know where to find the right information, while 71% say they would like to receive updates through their municipality.
Building resilience together
The campaign aims to close this gap between awareness and action. By helping residents understand how to respond to heavy rainfall or prolonged drought, Delfland hopes to strengthen resilience across the region.
To learn more or get started, visit www.klimaatkrachtig.nl for practical tips, resources, and a flood risk action plan (in Dutch)