Volkerak
The Volkerak is a body of water in the Netherlands. It is part of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta, and is situated between the island Goeree-Overflakkee to the north-west and the Dutch mainland to the south and east. The western part of the Volkerak is also called Krammer. Tributaries of the Volkerak are the Dintel and Steenbergse Vliet.
![](../I/LocatieVolkerak.png.webp)
Before 1987, it was a tidal river open to the North Sea, but it was closed off as part of the Delta Works; it is now a fresh water lake.
Delta Works
The Volkerak is navigable by sea-going ships. On the eastern end are the Volkerak Locks (Volkeraksluizen) connecting it to the Hollands Diep. At the western end is the Philipsdam and Krammer Locks (Krammersluizen)[1] connecting it to the Eastern Scheldt (Oosterschelde), and also the Grevelingendam and Grevelingen Lock (Grevelingensluis)[2] connecting it to the Grevelingen Grevelingen. Finally, the Scheldt–Rhine Canal connects it to the port of Antwerp and thus the North Sea, providing access for ocean-going vessels.
Future
Due to the low supply of fresh water to the now-enclosed Volkerak, and runoff of agricultural nutrients, the lake suffers from algal bloom throughout the summer,[3] and swimming is prohibited. The decision to transform it again into a salt water lake could be taken between 2015 and 2020.
![](../I/Volkerak-01.jpg.webp)
![](../I/Volkerak-02.jpg.webp)
References
- "The Krammer Locks (Krammersluizen)". Deltawerken Online. Stichting Deltawerken Online. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
- "Grevelingen dam". Deltawerken Online. Stichting Deltawerken Online. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
- Verspagen JM, Passarge J, Jöhnk KD, Visser PM, Peperzak L, Boers P, Laanbroek HJ, Huisman J (2006). "Water management strategies against toxic Microcystis blooms in the Dutch delta" (PDF). Ecological Applications. 16 (1): 313–27. doi:10.1890/04-1953. PMID 16705982.