The automatic rising waterbarrier called ‘eXtra’ was voted the best innovation on 4 February 2010 in the area of watermanagement. It is a versatile and sustainable solution for the increasing challenges of climate change in especially urban areas where space is scarce and valuable.

Grontmij’s involvement in ‘eXtra’
Grontmij further developed the design of ‘eXtra’ after it was initially invented by an individual. Grontmij together with contractor Van Dijk turned the design into a sustainable and economically viable solution for flooding. Flooding can be caused by heavy rainfall, fluctuating water levels, stormy weather and sinking ground amongst others.

Koen van Korlaar, a Grontmij consultant on water barriers, presented the innovation to a jury of eighty people. Six parties could present their innovations in a seven minute presentation. In this presentation he explained the workings of the innovation and the many advantages of ‘eXtra’ as a solution for flooding.

Positive feedback
‘eXtra’ received by far the most votes from the jury. Among those present were representatives from water boards, municipalities, consultants and contractors. During the get-together afterwards a lot of positive feedback was heard about the water barrier. In fact three large Dutch municipalities indicated that they were interested to start a pilot project with the innovation ‘eXtra’.

Advantages of ‘eXtra’
The main advantages of ‘eXtra’ are that it is self automated as well as versatile and can therefore be used in many different situations. It is adaptable to specific wishes and requirements and can be completely integrated in the landscape as it fits in the ground when it’s in rest position. It’s a sustainable solution that can be used as a permanent and temporary solution.

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