Information provision strategic groundwater reserves utrecht

Published on 20 November 2025

Water, soil and subsurface play a central role in the complex spatial challenges faced by Dutch provinces and municipalities. For example: drinking water extraction, geothermal heat, and subsurface energy. Sustainable and careful use of the subsurface is essential.

The province of Utrecht is also facing these challenges. To make the most substantiated decisions, the province, together with other parties, is developing an area-based three-dimensional framework for the subsurface. The province aims to responsibly utilize the subsurface, groundwater, and deep subsurface now and in the future, while preserving or improving quality and allowing space for societal functions.

Pilot Study “Information Provision Strategic Groundwater Reserve”

To develop this 3D framework, the province required an area-based 3D visualization of the subsurface. Insight into the location, quality, and characteristics of the strategic groundwater reserve and the surrounding groundwater is important.

In collaboration with TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands, a targeted pilot study was conducted for this purpose: “Information Provision Strategic Groundwater Reserve.”

The pilot study is part of the Information provision to local governments (“Decentrale Overheden” or “DO” in Dutch) program, which is carried out under the national mandate of TNO-GDN and funded by the Dutch national government. The DO program aims to provide decentralized authorities with more and improved information and knowledge about the (sustainable) use of the subsurface.

Data and datasets as building blocks

The pilot study provides the required data and datasets as building blocks. Using these, the province of Utrecht can realize 3D visualization of the subsurface and develop an area-based 3D system.

Project results

Collaboration with the province of Utrecht has produced several concrete results:

  • GIS dataset with selected subsurface data from public TNO-GDN models,
  • a conceptual model of aquifers and confining layers in the Utrecht subsurface,
  • an overview of the creation and use of the dataset,
  • an initial exploration of possibilities for management, analysis, and 3D visualization of the information, focusing on use by decentralized authorities,
  • the report “Information Provision Strategic Groundwater Reserve. A pilot study within the TNO-GDN program for decentralized authorities.” with explanatory appendix and a management summary.

The above results make it possible to conduct comparable studies related to policymaking on groundwater reserves more efficiently.

For the province of Utrecht, these results provide building blocks that help them develop their own 3D tool. This 3D tool, in turn, helps them prepare policy decisions and plans for the sustainable and safe use of the subsurface and groundwater. It also assists in explaining these choices to residents, administrators, and colleagues.

National applicability

The approach used in this pilot study is not only valuable and applicable for Utrecht but also for other decentralized authorities. Municipalities, provinces, and water authorities can use the project results and methodology to create their own dataset for their region. This contributes to sustainable information provision. Additionally, it supports other decentralized authorities in making future-proof decisions related to the energy transition, climate adaptation, and groundwater resources.


Results available online

Through DINOLoket, the GIS dataset, the final report with explanatory appendix, and the management summary are available. Click the blue button below labeled “Download pilot study results.”

Download pilot study results

Are you interested in more information about knowledge sharing with authorities?

Are you interested in information provision and knowledge sharing with local and regional authorities, the collaboration, and the products we develop for this purpose? Visit our project page: Information Provision to local governments