Clean CANAL Water is the proposal entry by Margot Krasojevic for
the Competition Amsterdam footbridge 2012. Water management is
still the most important function of Amsterdam canals. Without
them, the city would drown. Circulating the water is also vital
for sanitary reasons. In the days when windmills had to do the
job, the stench of the water could become unbearable in periods
with little wind or rain. Three times a week, 14 of the 16
existing waterlocks around the city close up, so clean water can
be pumped in from the big lake IJsselmeer. The current that is
created pushes the dirty canal water out through the open locks
on the other side of the city. Specialized cleaning boats with
big scoops and nets patrol frequently clean surface debris.
Since 2005, all the houseboats in the city are connected to the
sewer system. The cleaner water has attracted 20 different
species of fish and crab that live a healthy life below the
surface. Water birds like herons, ducks, coots, gulls and
cormorants also feed and li