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Waal

Waal is the main distributary of the Rhine in the Netherlands and a central component of the Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt delta. In the Dutch portion of the delta, the Rhine divides into two main channels: the Nederrijn to the east and the Waal to the west. The Waal begins at the Pannerdensch Kanaal, where water is diverted from the Rhine, and generally flows southwest across the central Netherlands.

The river passes several towns and cities and forms an important inland waterway. It is closely integrated

Hydrology and management of the Waal are dominated by Dutch water authorities and longstanding engineering works

In addition to its geographic meaning, the term Waal may also refer to a surname in various

See also: Rhine, Meuse, Merwede, Delta Works, Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt.

with
the
Dutch
system
of
flood
defense
and
navigation,
featuring
dikes,
locks,
weirs,
and
canal
connections
that
regulate
water
levels
and
enable
commercial
shipping.
The
Waal
serves
as
a
vital
link
for
freight
traffic
between
the
Rhine
basin
and
the
western
Netherlands,
connecting
to
other
branches
of
the
Rhine–Meuse–Scheldt
system
that
lead
to
the
port
of
Rotterdam
and
the
North
Sea.
designed
to
balance
flood
risk
with
the
needs
of
navigation
and
agriculture.
Over
time,
the
river
has
been
straightened
and
regulated
to
improve
safety
and
commerce,
contributing
to
the
broader
Delta
Works
projects
that
protect
western
Netherlands
from
flooding.
cultures.