The city as a sponge: how cities are preparing for drought

NEWS

POLICY & LEGAL

Heleen Kommers, Wednesday 6 August 2025

105 sec

Drought also affects the city

The Netherlands is well protected against flooding, but drought poses an increasing threat—even in urban areas. Urban planners Mendel Giezen and Jannes Willems from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) are researching how cities can prepare for it. "Many people associate drought with farmers, but cities are also vulnerable," says Giezen. "In cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, many houses are built on wooden piles. When groundwater levels drop, these piles dry out and can begin to rot. That causes major damage." Urban transport is also at risk: low water levels can halt inland shipping.

Image via New Urban Standard - Amsterdam Overhoeks

The researchers point out that particularly vulnerable groups are at greater risk. Tenants living in poorly insulated homes or with little surrounding greenery often feel the effects of drought and heat first. Elderly people and those with lower incomes also have fewer resources to adapt their living environments. Willems is researching how this social vulnerability is distributed across the city so that targeted measures can be implemented.

Tenants living in poorly insulated homes or with little greenery often feel the effects of drought and heat first

From drainage to retention

Solutions require a new way of thinking about water management. Where the focus used to be on draining rainwater as quickly as possible, the emphasis now lies on retaining and reusing it. The concept of the "sponge city" is central to this: rainwater is collected locally, stored, and slowly returned to the soil and greenery. This helps keep groundwater levels more stable and cities greener during dry periods. In Amsterdam, this idea has already been put into practice—for instance, on the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, where underground water storage and green infrastructure have been installed to retain water and reduce heat stress.
But the water system is also changing beyond the city. In parts of North Brabant, previously straightened streams are being re-meandered. By making them shallower and more winding, rainwater remains in the area longer. This slows drainage and increases the chance that water seeps into the soil—beneficial for both nature and agriculture.

Solutions require a new way of thinking about water management

Working together for a climate-resilient city

According to Giezen and Willems, cooperation between residents, municipalities, and designers is essential. They are working with the Amsterdam Rainproof platform, which shares knowledge about climate-adaptive measures. These include green roofs, rainwater harvesting, or climate-resilient design of squares and streets. "It's not just about technology," says Giezen. "It's about liveability. A city must withstand drought, but also remain pleasant to live in."
Residents can also contribute. Green your garden or balcony, use drip hoses instead of sprinklers, and join initiatives like Operatie Steenbreek or the NK Tegelwippen—often with municipal subsidies.
Drought in cities is not just a future problem. It's a current reality that requires action. By rethinking how we use water, space, and design, cities can become climate-resilient. With blue-green solutions and collaboration between residents and professionals, we can make cities more resilient—and liveable.

The Amsterdam Rainproof platform shares knowledge about climate-adaptive measures

This article was previously published on 1 August 2025 on the Stad + Groen website.

Gemeente Amsterdam

Gemeente Rotterdam

Provincie Noord Brabant

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