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.
![](../I/m/LocatieVolkerak.png)
Tributaries of the Volkerak are the Dintel and Steenbergse Vliet. The Volkerak is navigable by sea-going ships through the Volkerak Locks (Volkeraksluizen) from the Hollands Diep. The Scheldt–Rhine Canal connects it to the port of Antwerp.
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.
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,[1] and swimming is prohibited. The decision to transform it again into a salt water lake could be taken between 2015 and 2020.
![](../I/m/Volkerak-01.jpg)
![](../I/m/Volkerak-02.jpg)
References
- 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.