Flood risk is steadily increasing in flood plains that are shrinking as a consequence of development. More frequent and heavier rainfall also contributes to rising water levels in river systems and watersheds worldwide.

In order to protect people, property and infrastructure in low-lying areas, river water levels in rivers must be lowered. To achieve this in the Netherlands, more than 30 locations across the country have been strategically designed to make "Room for the River". This involves relocating dikes further inland, constructing high-water channels, and lowering the floodplains in some locations. These areas are inundated during periods of high water levels, thus temporarily giving the river more room and easing the pressure on the dikes.