Water board works on nature restoration along the Meppelerdiep
Since Tuesday 15 September 2026, Waterschap Drents Overijsselse Delta (WDODelta) has been redesigning the floodplains of the Meppelerdiep, between Meppel and Zwartsluis. The work is intended to improve water quality and boost nature in the area.
Published 27 September at 00:53
This language edition was prepared with AI from the Dutch source and checked for factual differences. If the versions differ, the Dutch text takes precedence.
The project involves a plot of around five hectares in the Natura 2000 area De Wieden, owned by Natuurmonumenten. Contractor Mulder-Eykelkamp is partially excavating the bank of the Meppelerdiep and creating two open connections with the river, so that a more natural water level can develop and more water can flow through. To the west of this, a new water barrier will be built to prevent the adjoining plot from flooding.
Residents and other road users may temporarily experience extra construction traffic. The contractor will contact landowners in advance, and traffic measures and signage will be put in place where necessary. The work is expected to be completed by the end of November 2026.
The project contributes to the goals of the European Water Framework Directive, which requires that by 2027 all surface water in the Netherlands must provide a good habitat for the plants and animals that belong there.
More information about the project can be found at [wdodelta.nl/meppelerdiep](https://www.wdodelta.nl/meppelerdiep). Questions about the works can be submitted via the [contact form](https://secure.wdodelta.nl/form/contactformulier) to Alie Stegerman, environmental adviser at WDODelta.