Earlier this year, The Valley became the hundredth participant Rainlevelr, a network of Dutch greenhouse growers that helps prevent flooding in the region. Hoogheemraad Manita Koop, alderman Michiel Ferwerda of the municipality of Westland, and Jacco Vooijs, chairman of Glastuinbouw Westland, visited The Valley on April 11 to celebrate this milestone. In addition to reflecting on past successes, all parties also looked ahead. Rainlevelr's ambitions are high, and there is much on the agenda this year. 
© Rainlevelr
In Rainlevelr, growers create space in their water storage during threatening downpours, allowing excess rainwater to be temporarily collected. In this way, they voluntarily contribute to preventing flooding. The climate is changing, and this is noticeable as extreme showers occur more frequently and more precipitation falls. Additionally, space in the area for expanding the water system is limited, so other ways are needed to capture water. Rainlevelr is an example of an innovative way to create more storage capacity for water without taking up space.
Jack Groenewegen, General Manager of The Valley, is enthusiastic: "We at The Valley are happy to be part of the Rainlevelr project. We have been flooded in the past, so we know the importance. Additionally, we would like to contribute to the steering committee to get even more out of the project."
Over 530 hectares, 108 participants
Since the hundredth connection earlier this year, eight more greenhouse growers have joined. This means that over 530 hectares of glass are connected to the Rainlevelr system. That is about 15% of the 'glass roof' in the management area of the Hoogheemraadschap Delfland. The goal is for 80% of Delfland's greenhouse horticulture to participate in Rainlevelr by 2037.
Hoogheemraad Manita Koop emphasizes: "With now 108 participants, we are well on our way, but we are not there yet. To continue living and working in our area, we will all have to get to work. I would like to thank the participating greenhouse growers and urge the rest to join. Join Rainlevelr and commit to a climate-resilient Delfland."
© Rainlevelr
Automation and increasing impact on flooding: priorities for 2025
Rainlevelr is a collaboration between individual greenhouse growers, the municipality of Westland, Glastuinbouw Nederland, and the Hoogheemraadschap of Delfland. Coordination between these parties takes place within the steering committee. Jack Groenewegen of The Valley joins this alongside Koop, Ferwerda, and Vooijs as the fourth member on behalf of the greenhouse growers. This is a new composition, and thus the celebration of the hundredth also provided a great opportunity to get acquainted and discuss future plans.
"It's great that so many entrepreneurs recognize the social importance of Rainlevelr. Together seeking innovative solutions is important, and we are making progress in this, such as investigating underground water storage. This is crucial for the future supply of irrigation water," said Jacco Vooijs, chairman of Glastuinbouw Westland. 
© Rainlevelr
After eight years of Rainlevelr, the project has yielded a lot of practical knowledge. They now better understand how rainwater from greenhouses affects the system of ditches and waterways and also when that water system reaches its critical limits. They will use this knowledge in the further development of Rainlevelr: refining the system to capture even more precipitation at the right time. At the same time, they continue to focus on welcoming new participants. The goal? A greenhouse horticulture sector that contributes to reducing flooding and to climate adaptation of the entire region.
Alderman Michiel Ferwerda of the Municipality of Westland: "I am pleased to see how the Westland growers collaborate with the different parties to combat flooding. In terms of innovation, this beautiful sector is of added value on many fronts."
For more information:
Rainlevelr
info@rainlevelr.com
www.rainlevelr.com
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