Bathse Spuisluis
The Bathse Spuisluis is the only structure in the Delta Works not built to protect against water.
Together with the simultaneously constructed Bathse Spuikanaal, the sluice refreshes the water in the Zoommeer by draining excess freshwater into the Western Scheldt. The canal is not intended for navigation.
The Bathse Spuisluis in statistics
- Built between 1980 and 1987
- 6 concrete sluice gates
- Can discharge 8.5 billion liters of water per day
Origin
With the construction of the Oesterdam and the Markiezaatskade, the Zoommeer was created, also referred to as the "Volkerak-Zoommeer" due to the open connection between the two bodies of water. The enclosed Zoommeer continues to accumulate water as groundwater flows into the lake from the surrounding land. As a result, drainage is required.
A sluice in the Oesterdam to the Eastern Scheldt, west of the Zoommeer, was initially the most logical option. It would have been easier than digging a canal and constructing a sluice at Bath. However, this option would have harmed the ecosystem in the Eastern Scheldt. The plants and animals there could not make use of the additional freshwater from the Zoommeer. Therefore, the decision was made to dig a canal, allowing the Zoommeer to discharge into the Western Scheldt instead.
Construction
During the construction of the Bathse Spuikanaal and the Bathse Spuisluis, significant attention was paid to the landscape and recreational needs. Wide reed banks were added along the canal to ensure the water barrier blends naturally into the landscape. The excavation of the Bathse Spuikanaal released 8 million cubic meters of earth, part of which was used in the construction of the Oesterdam.
