Press releases

Displacement and height measurements of the dam are carried out annually at the Diepenbenden dam. These measurements are part of the regular monitoring process in order to identify and respond to potential dangers such as uncontrolled discharge or an impending dam failure in good time.

The displacement measurements are carried out using three concrete measuring pillars on the dam. A small amount of displacement can be measured at one of the measuring pillars. Burrowing animals - in this case moles - are active in the dam precisely at this measuring pillar. The cause of the movement of the measuring pillar is therefore obvious. But although the burrowing animals are driven away by technical means, the measuring pillar continues to move. However, the assumption that the moles are responsible for the movement of the pillar is not yet proof. Pillar movement that could be attributed to the water pressure of the dam must therefore be ruled out.

For this reason, the water level is to be lowered by 1.5 meters before the next survey work at the end of March 2025. This lowering will begin next Monday, February 3. The lowered water level is to be maintained for a period of six weeks prior to the measurements so that the measuring pillar can react once the water pressure has ceased.