Restoring natural streams in Enschede, the Netherlands

In the eastern Netherlands, the city of Enschede, visible in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image acquired on 20 July 2024, was once the site of a booming textile industry. The extensive use of groundwater for industrial operations depleted many of the area's natural water sources, allowing infrastructure to be built on the newly dry land. Since the decline of the textile industry, groundwater levels have risen again. Without the natural streams that once absorbed the excess water, the city faced flooding issues which impacted streets and homes.

Through the Stadsbeek project, the European Commission has contributed to tackling this challenge in collaboration with local stakeholders by installing drainage pipes to lower groundwater levels, creating a stream where one used to run in order to drain water, and by building rainwater storage areas. The initiative has led to a higher quality of life in Enschede and better prepared the city for future climate challenges.

Copernicus provides comprehensive Earth Observation data, which can be used to develop innovative solutions for smart cities, urban planning and environmental management. More information is available here.