Samenvatting

This research is focused on the circumstances related to rainwater flooding in the Municipality of Valkenburg aan de Geul, located in the south of the Netherlands. The town has been dealing with flooding from rainwater for as long as its inhabitants can remember, but the situation became much more severe in the summer of 2021 when parts of western Europe were hit with floods caused by extensive rainfall. The 2023 climate scenarios created by the Dutch KNMI indicate floods of this magnitude could became a more common occurrence in the future. The Municipality and other actors in the region are currently looking for ways to combat this threat in the future.

The entire area that is susceptible to floods is large and investigating its entirety in one study is not feasible. Therefore, this research is focused on an area in Valkenburg that is currently unexplored, this ended up being the area of the Cauberg – Daalhemerweg. This resulted in the research question “What measures can be taken in the area Cauberg – Daalhemerweg to reduce the amount of rainwater runoff in Valkenburg”.

The methods that were used to find information towards this research questions were for the largest part desk research. Supported investigating the area through field observation and by interviewing a few long-term residents of Valkenburg. This information was finally used in a Multi Criteria Analysis that compared methods to determine which one would be most suitable.

The research indicated that the most suitable measurement for the research area is the implementation of a bioswale. This is the most effective method available, while staying within the budget available and keeping in line with the criteria the municipality has set. Further recommendations include adjustments to pre-existing measures and the placements of retention ponds or infiltration strips.