There is plenty of water in the Netherlands, but what about water that is used sustainably? That's a different story. According to Ruud Bartholomeus, special professor of Plant Water Stress and Regional Water Management, a fundamental change is needed in how we manage water.
From his very first days at Hogeschool Larenstein, Bartholomeus has been dedicated to water-related research. "I have a passion for water," he says. After studying Land and Water Management at Larenstein, he pursued a Hydrology and Water Quality degree at Wageningen University & Research (WUR). He then earned his PhD at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. His appointment as special professor at WUR is the next step in his career; on February 14th, he will deliver his inaugural lecture. "Water is a highly significant topic. It matters to everybody, and everyone knows something about it and has an opinion on it." As a research subject, it is also fascinating - it involves a lot of calculations and modelling while also allowing for outdoor field experiments. "It's something I can fully immerse myself in."
Challenging times for hydrologists
With three consecutive years of extreme drought followed by two years of abundant rainfall, these are challenging times for water managers and hydrologists. "From a scientific perspective, it's very interesting," Bartholomeus acknowledges, "but the challenges we face have been known for a long time. Working on water has always been important. However, with a changing climate, a shifting economy and a growing population, the availability of sufficient water is no longer a given - even in a country like the Netherlands."
More than enough water
The Netherlands is a water-rich country, and at first glance, it may seem like there is more than enough water. So, what is the problem? "My chair focuses on the fact that we can only use a very small portion of all that water sustainably. That presents us with a truly urgent issue."
Traditionally, the Dutch landscape has been designed to discharge water. Groundwater levels have systematically lowered over the past decades, leading to drier land and increased vulnerability, according to Bartholomeus. "With a changing climate and a growing demand for water, we are reaching our limits. This calls for significant adjustments to the way we currently manage water."
Fundamental changes needed
"How can we design the water system to ensure sufficient water for nature, while also allowing us to use it for agriculture, industry, and consumption? That's where the challenge arises."
Bartholomeus is convinced that optimising the current system will not be enough to solve this issue. A fundamental change is needed in how we manage water. "We have to acknowledge that not everything can be done everywhere. Not every function is fit for every location. We should think carefully about where each activity is suited best - for example, which crops should be grown in which areas."
Changes in land use
Complex decisions like these will not solve the problems within just a few years. According to Bartholomeus, changes in land use require decades of effort. To support these choices with scientific knowledge, he will investigate critical groundwater levels and how water availability impacts both agriculture and nature. His research will also focus on potential measures to address these challenges. "I'll mainly focus on connecting different sectors and exploring how that can help relieve pressure on groundwater levels: Can we recycle excess water from one sector to use in another sector? For example, could we reuse industry water for agriculture, or to replenish groundwater?"
Bridging the gap between science, practice, and policy
According to Bartholomeus, addressing this complicated issue is a major challenge. Researchers have a responsibility to make their knowledge accessible, while policymakers must ensure they base their decisions on the proper knowledge. "Everyone has a role to play - whether in research, practice, or policy." For Bartholomeus, bridging the gap between science, practical applications, and policymaking is essential.
In addition to being a special professor, Bartholomeus is also a principal scientist in the Ecohydrology team and chief science officer at KWR. This blend of science and practical application appeals to him very much. "As researchers, we must go beyond conducting studies and documenting our results. We need to take an extra step to better reach policymakers and decision-makers. That's challenging because, as researchers, we cannot take the place of politicians or policymakers. We must remain independent, interpret knowledge objectively, and actively engage in sharing it. Because not only water, but also knowledge, must keep flowing."
Prof. Dr. Ir. R.P. Bartholomeus will deliver his inaugural lecture, Water in transition: managing excess and deficit, on Friday February 14th, 2025, at 16:00 hrs, in Omnia building, Wageningen Campus.
