Waterlines

A water line is a series of defensive works that are (partly) surrounded by inundated areas.

In the Netherlands, flooding areas proved to be a good way to stop the enemy. To this end, special water management works were even made (for example, special inundation sluices).

A water line is often a string of fortifications with inundation areas in between. The fortifications are located around cities and on higher parts that cannot be flooded (accesses). The areas were only inundated in the event of an acute threat.

The intention of inundation is that the water rises about 40 cm above the site in question, making it impassable for infantry, but is too shallow to pass through. It is therefore necessary to be able to regulate the water level very accurately.

The farmers whose land was in the areas to be flooded were of course not happy with this action. The line therefore had to be protected not only against attacks from the enemy, but also against angry farmers who might want to sabotage the line (compensation was provided for this in the Fortress Act).

The use of the water line as defensive work has suffered considerably from inventions such as the airplane.