Hydrological and morphological effects of stream restoration in Twente

Due to canalization and implementation of weirs in river systems, water managers in the Netherlands were able to control the rivers. The current changes in river discharge however need new approaches. Changing rivers into more natural, dynamic water systems seems to be a possible answer. However, there is not much experience yet on how to realize this in practice. In this study the effects of removing weirs and implementing measures, such as small dams and meandering of the stream path, is being investigated. Removing weirs can only be done when other measures are taken in order to control the water flows, otherwise risks for flooding or drought become even larger. An important question is how ‘natural’ a river might be in the perspective of other constraints such as safety and agriculture. Most of the times a combination of measures is chosen in order to fulfil multiple goals.