Today

Water management in Friesland was improved in the early 1960s when the electrically driven J.L. Hooglandgemaal (with a capacity of 6,000 m3 per minute) was built at Stoveren. This improvement was necessary after the discharge of surplus water into the Lauwerszee (Lauwer Sea) had changed when the Lauwersmeer (Lauwer Lake) was created. New sluices were built enabling the Lauwersmeer to function as a boezem (reservoir). When the water level in the Lauwersmeer is low, water can be discharged continuously, but when the level is too high, discharging ceases. This is one of the reasons why the Woudagemaal still has a crucial role, namely to provide support in exceptional situations, such as at extremely high water levels in the boezem due to excessive rainfall. This has occurred several times over the past few years. The well-maintained pumping station is very much involved here.