After World War II, the Dutch agricultural fields were drained to quickly get rid of excess water to increase crop production, to guarantee food production. Additionally, the freshwater demand of different sectors (agriculture, industry, drinking water) increased, causing an increased pressure on the groundwater system. The combination of fast drainage and increased use of groundwater for human activities, led to declining groundwater tables in the Dutch Pleistocene uplands. Given the changing climate resulting in dry periods, solutions for water retention are needed to decrease the pressure on the groundwater system, and to guarantee the future water supply for different sectors.